RASHT, March 2, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Districts in the Rasht Valley, eastern Tajikistan are experiencing an acute shortage of electrical power.

Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, the Rasht district chairman Mahmadsharif Tolibov said that the district yesterday received only 2,000-3,000 kWh of electricity, while the district’s daily requirements in electrical power are 8,000-9,000 kWh.

“The amount received is enough to supply electricity to only the district administrative center,” said Tolibov.  “Electricity is supplied, first of all, to the central district hospital, rural hospital in Navobod, schools, and the communications center.”

Residents of the administrative center currently have electrical power only one hour per day – in the morning, while residents of villages do not have electricity at all, the Rasht chairman said.

The similar power supply situation has been reported in other districts (Nourobodo, Tojikobod, Jirgatol and Tavildara) of the Rasht Valley as well.