DUSHANBE, October 22, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The reservoir powering the Norak hydroelectric power plant (HPP) is filled with water to the max level that is 910 meters above sea level, Minister of Land Reclamation and Water Resources Rahmat Bobokalonov told reporters on October 21.

“It is 82 centimeters higher than last year,” the minister said, noting that the Qairoqqum reservoir in Sughd province is also filled to the maximum level.  According to him, the Qairoqqum reservoir now contains more than 3.5 billion cubic meters of water.

On the activity of the Ministry of Land Reclamation and Water Resources (LRWR), Bobokalonov noted that LRWR now owed 255.8 million somoni to the Barqi Tojik power holding (Tajik electricity supplier) and the Tax Committee.

“In the meantime, farming units now owe 254 million somoni to LRWR,” said the minister, “If farmers repay their debts, we will able to fully discharge our debt.”