DUSHANBE, November 19, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) have adopted an appeal to the people of Tajikistan over acquisition of shares in the Roghun hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

Speaking at the 22nd session of the Majlisi Milli of the third convocation, the Majlisi Milli Speaker, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev said today that the appeal will be sent to all legislatures across the country.

“Completion of the construction of the Roghun HPP is of great significance for the people of Tajikistan, for its future, for development of economy of our independent republic and we believe our people will support this appeal,” the speaker noted.

He noted that he transferred his one-month’s wage to the fund for construction of the Roghun HPP last year after annual president’s address to parliament and expressed confidence that that initiative would be supported by the people.

We will recall that Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, who is also Mayor of Dushanbe, noted in late April 2008 that the government could raise about $10 million for the Roghun construction if all residents of Dushanbe were to give up half their wages in May and June.  He appealed on all companies to transfer 50 percent of employees'' salaries to help Roghun''s construction.

“Some 2.143 million people are currently working in different sectors of economy and an average monthly wage is now 314 somoni,” said Ubaidulloyev, “The government could raise some 154 million U.S. dollars for construction of the Roghun HPP if they give up their one-month’s wages.”