DUSHANBE, November 27, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Speaking at a November 26 meeting reviewing investment projects implementation issues, President Rahmon urged to provide the Dushanbe residents with safe drinking water starting from January 1, 2009. 

The cabinet meeting considered more than 40 issues, according to presidential press service.

During the meeting, it was noted that three water supply projects for a total amount of 170 million somoni have been implemented in the country.  The projects are aimed at improving water supply in Dushanbe and Khatlon’s Hamadoni district. 

Two of these projects have been implemented in Dushanbe; one of them is expected to be completed by the end of this year and the other should be finished by June 30, 2009.  

 Speaking at the meeting, Rahmon pointed to the necessity of targeted used of the allocated funds and proper implementation of the projects.  He urged to provide the Dushanbe residents with safe drinking water starting from January 1, 2009, the press service said.  

The meeting also considered the agricultural issues.  Chairman of the Jirgatol district, some 320 kilometers northeast of Dushanbe, noted that all categories of farms in the district had planted potatoes on 2,652 hectares this year and according to the preliminary data, they had produced 55,000 tons of potatoes to this date, which is 5,000 tons more than in 2005.  According to him, they plan to extend areas under potatoes to 5,000 hectares in the future and produce 100,000 tons of potatoes.    

The government also endorsed the statistics work program for 2009 and the migration control regulations.     

The meeting also considered and approved amendments to the laws on privatization of state-owned property, national border and the criminal code.  The bills were sent for consideration to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament).