DUSHANBE, August 12, 2011, Asia-Plus - Istiklol tunnel under Anzob, which links northern and central parts of Tajikistan, will not be closed for vehicles in the nearest time, Tajik Transport Ministry reported.

Construction works are still under way and it is not going to be closed, head of the Central Construction Department of the Tajik Transport Ministry Abdulmajid Sharipov told the AP.

The closure date will be informed through the media. Earlier Tajik Transport Ministry reported that Istiklol tunnel will be closed for traffic in early August due to planned construction works. In particular, Iranian Sangob, which engaged in the construction of the tunnel, was planning to install ventilation system and illuminating equipment in the tunnel.

In its previous reports Tajik Transport Ministry stressed that the issue of funding has been settled. In June Tajikistan and Iran have agreed to allocate $3mln each for the completion of construction works, which requires a total of $6mln. Construction works are expected to take four-five months.

Earlier this year former Tajik Transport Minister Olim Boboev told the reporters that the tunnel is expected to be ready by September this year by the 20th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence.