DUSHANBE, January 30, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The low rate of collection the water fees from farming units evokes serious concern of the Ministry of Land Reclamation and Water Resource (MLRWR).

According to Land Reclamation and Water Resources Minister Said Yoqubzod, farmers’ water debts have reached 148 million somoni (equivalent to some 41 million US dollars) to this date.  Last year, farming units repaid only 27 percent of water debts, however, the ministry continues supplying water to 80-90% of farms, the minister said.

Delays in water fee payments make the ministry work difficult.  MLRWR does not have enough funds to clean manifolds and repair pumps.

Besides, the ministry cannot repay its debts to Barqi Tojik power holding for electricity consumption.  MLRWR now owes 92 million somoni to Barqi Tojik, while the ministry needs 52 million somoni per year for electrical power.