DUSHANBE, October 28, Asia-Plus- Asked to comment on President Rahmonov’s statement that Tajikistan will continue construction of the Roghun hydropower plant with national funds, Tajik Energy Minister Abdullo Yorov yesterday told journalists, “We will construct the Roghun station; this is beyond all question.” 

”I am sure the solution to this problem will be found,” said Yorov, “If we find funds, we will start construction this year, if not next year.”

In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Ghulomov told journalists before the beginning of the regional electricity trade conference that Russian Aluminum (RusAl) will participate in the construction of the Roghun station at all stages.  He noted, “The Russian government should define what its investments will be and who will implement the project.  Our agreement with Russia concerns the first stage of the construction of the station, but for the second and later stages we have the right to define ourselves whose service to enlist.” 

Konstantin Zagrebelny, the head of the Tajik office of RusAl, noted that the Russian government will decide which Russian company will construct the Roghun power plant in Tajikistan. “However, we hope for participation in the first stage of the construction.” Asked about the slowdown in construction of the station, Zagrebelny said that “this question should be put to Barqi Tojik (the Tajik electricity holding company.”