DUSHANBE , February 7, Asia-Plus - By 2010, 57,000 residents of five districts in different regions of the country will have got benefit from rehabilitation of the irrigation systems, Asia-Plus has learned from Rustam Barotov, head of the unit for management of the “Irrigation Systems Rehabilitation” project.  

“For implementing this project that has been working in the country since September last year the Asia Development Bank (ADB) has provided a loan of US$29 million,” Mr. Barotov said, noting that main work on the project will start in the summer.    

The project is targeting five districts in the republic: Asht district in Sughd; Farkhor and Panj district in Khatlon; Vahdat district (districts subordinate to the center - RRP) and Rushan district in Gorno Badakhshan.    

The project is aimed at rehabilitating the irrigation systems and drainage as well as supporting farming units through providing them with high-quality seeds and pesticides, the Asia-Plus interlocutor noted. 

“The project is designed for four years and upon the completion of it, a system of supply of water to more than 47,000 hectares of lands will improve, and 57,000 residents in these districts will get access to safe drinking water from artesian wells,” Rustam Barotov said.