DUSHANBE, February 25, 2015, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament on February 25 ratified an agreement between the Government of Tajikistan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the Nurek Solid Waste Sub-Project.

Speaking at the session, Deputy Finance Minister, Jamoliddin Nouraliyev, noted that the Bank allocates 5.3 million U.S. dollars, including 2 million U.S. dollars provided in a form of grant, for implementation of the project.

The Project will improve solid waste and landfill environmental standards in Nurek.  The Project is expected to bring substantial environmental, health and safety benefits to the city and the surrounding communities through the improvement of waste collection, transportation, and disposal services; increased operational efficiency, and environmental and hygiene standards.

The EBRD started its municipal operations in Tajikistan with the Khujand Water Supply Improvement Program Phase I, signed in 2004, followed by Phase II signed in 2008.  At present the Bank has a portfolio of municipal projects comprising water supply in 16 cities, urban transport in one city and solid waste in four cities.  Additionally, water supply improvement projects in 6 cities in north and south Tajikistan, as well as a district heating projects, are under preparation.