DUSHANBE, March 31, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Fayzobod regional administrators are reportedly collecting money from local residents for president’s visit, which is scheduled for April 10.

Residents of the district say the regional administration representatives allegedly demand that each family pay 50.00 somoni.  The money is reportedly needed for whitewashing buildings located in the central part of the district.

“Our family refused to pay 50.00 somoni to the regional administration representatives and they asked to pay at least 30.00 somoni.  We refused to pay because we live from hand to mouth,” one of residents of Fayzobod told Asia-Plus in an interview.

Another resident of Fayzobod noted that the district authorities had warned local residents against putting awkward questions, “otherwise measures will be introduced against them.”

The president is expected to arrive in Fayzobod to inaugurate a number of facilities.