DUSHANBE, November 7, 2008, Asia-Plus – Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Wednesday called for accelerating executive operations for construction of Sangtuda-2 power plant and dam in his country.

Rahmon, speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the project along with a group of other Tajik officials, said the power plant should be established in next two years.

Iranian Sangab Company is busy implementing the project with the Tajik side.

"The Tajik people have pinned hope on efforts and endeavors of Iranian brothers in connection with Sangtuda-2 power plant and I ask officials in charge of the project and the staff to make more efforts in that connection," he added.

Once the project comes on stream, 220 megawatts of electricity will be added to Tajikistan''s annual power generation capacity.

It is scheduled to become operational by 2012 but Tajik officials want it to be inaugurated sooner than schedule.

The contract on US$220 million project was signed during Rahmon''s visit to Iran in January 2005.  US$180 million out of the capital will be extended to the Tajik government by Iran in the form of 10-year credit and US$40 million too will be financed by Tajik side.

Executive operations on the project started in late February 2005 in presence of Iranian and Afghan energy ministers as well as Tajik president.

The project is of high importance for Tajikistan because while meeting domestic shortage, the republic can export part of the electricity to generate income.