S A V E W A T E R, S A V E L I V E S!

TajWSS NEWSLINE Water Supply and Sanitation Project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by Oxfam in Tajikistan in partnership with MoLRWR and UNDP. The project is the first phase of a ten-year program and will terminate in August 2013

First steps towards a unique tariff system!

#8, April, 2012

#10, October, 2012 In this issue:

First steps towards a drinking water tariff

The World Bank On September 26, 2012, the Tajikistan continues Mr. Abduhakim Sattorov, Chief Water Supply and Sanitation Network investments in Specialist from Ministry of Land Municipal Service (TajWSS) held its 14th Meeting in the Reclamation and Water Resources provision in conference hall of the National Library. updated on the progress of the National Tajikistan More than 40 Network Members, Program on Improvement of Clean Public Awareness including representatives of various Water Supply for the Population of the Raising Campaign in Ministries and Departments of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period Rudaki and Government of the Republic of from 2007-2020 was made by Muminabad Tajikistan, donor agencies, media, One of the active members of the international non-governmental Public Awareness TajWSS Network - USAID Tajikistan Safe organizations and private sector Raising Campaign in Drinking Water Project concluded its companies involved in the water and Rudaki sanitation sector, participated in the activities and shared the results,

14th TajWSS Network meeting. achievements and lessons learned from IN PHOTOS their rich experience from working in Guiding principles for establishing the drinking water supply sector. USAID Tajikistan drinking water tariff systems was Safe Drinking Water In Muminadad Single Window, Water Project is at the presented by Ms. Marie Korner, Trust Fund and Construction Activities finish line Independent International Consultant are up and running. Mr. Toir Amirshoev,

for the Thematic Working Group (TWG) First Deputy Head of Muminabad on drinking water tariffs. She worked District made a presentation for the U.S. Embassy rehabilitates drinking closely with TWG members including all Network which included an update from the relevant government agencies and water supply system the field and information about the joint in Bokhtar district ministries to produce guiding principles efforts of the Local Authorities and for the development of a drinking water INGOS towards achieving their tariff system to be further developed respective goals. into a policy brief. Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering

“TajWSS Network Open Floor” is a new fixed item in the agenda that was introduced to the Network members during the course of the previous Network meeting. This is a time where Network members are free to discuss topics of their own choosing. During this period the revised Tax Code was discussed and it is now time to conduct a comprehensive review of the new tax code to assess the potential implications for the drinking water sector. In addition, the importance of the work of the TWG on tariff policy was highlighted by several members during the discussion. TAJWSS

The World Bank continues investments in Municipal Service provision in Tajikistan

August 24, 2012 – Over 200,000 people residing in five towns of Tajikistan – Kurgan-Tube, Farkhor, Dangara, Kulyab, and Vose – will benefit from improved access to clean water and high-quality utility services as a result of US$ 11.85 million of additional financing for the World Bank’s Tajikistan Municipal Infrastructure Development Project (MIDP). The additional financing will support the On August 23, 2012, the World Bank Country Government of Republic of Tajikistan in Manager for Tajikistan, Ms Marsha Olive and implementing the “Concept for Housing and Minister of Finance of Tajikistan, Mr Safarali Communal Services Reform 2010-2020.” This Najmiddinov signed an agreement to finance program was approved in 2010 by financing the further investment for the water and sanitation development of a Municipal and Communal sector and solid waste management, placing a Services Sector Strategy and the by the creation of greater emphasis on strengthening the a Communal Services Development Fund to institutional structure of the sector to ensure identify the reforms required to further improve long-term improvements in the quality of the delivery of services. people’s lives. Approximately US$2 million of this financing will be made available to the A component of the project also aims at Government under a retroactive financing strengthening the capacity of the State Unitary mechanism to mitigate seasonal floods in the Enterprise “Khojagiyi Manziliyu Kommunali” (SUE Khatlon Region. “KMK”) to provide centralized oversight over local utilities and to respond to emergency situations The Municipal Infrastructure Development Project caused by natural disasters through better (MIDP) aims at improving the availability, quality, equipment and flood protection measures along and efficiency of the delivery of basic municipal selected vulnerable river sections. services to the population, including water, sanitation, and solid waste management. Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 2

The additional financing will allow for piloting of a The additional grant will assist the Government number of initiatives, including the Household in identifying financing options to support the Connection Subsidy program for small towns, development of the water and sanitation sector, aimed at improving equitable access to water and attract and leverage additional donor supply, and the use of modern billing and contributions. collection technology. The Tajikistan Municipal Infrastructure “The Bank has always placed a high priority on Development Project is currently financed improving the quality of water services delivered through a US$26.85 million grant from the to the people of Tajikistan, as well as helping International Development Association (IDA), ensure the sustainability of these improvements. part of the World Bank Group; US$2.53 million The continuation of this project will enable an co-financing from the Government of Tajikistan; additional 25,000 people to benefit from safe in addition to the US$88 thousand in drinking water,” said Marsha Olive, World Bank contributions from project beneficiaries. Country Manager in Tajikistan. The current World Bank portfolio in Tajikistan The original MIDP, launched in 2006, has consists of 14 projects with net commitments of successfully implemented municipal infrastructure US$225 million. The largest share of the investments in eight participating towns: Kurgan- portfolio is in the energy and water sector (35 Tube, Kulyab, Dangara, Istaravshan, , Vose, percent) followed by agriculture and rural Kanibadam, and , through: i) financing the development (31 percent), human development rehabilitation and repair of infrastructure and – education, health and social protection (30 installations and the replacement of equipment at percent), and economic policy and public sector local branches of the SUE “KMK”, and ii) assisting (4 percent). the SUE “KMK” and its local branches in improving the management of basic municipal services Contacts: delivery. As a result of the project, the eight In : Nigina Alieva, (992 48) 701 58 07, participating towns have benefited from a 146 [email protected] percent increase in the number of people with access to an improved water source, an average of In Washington: Kristyn Schrader-King, +1-202- 20 percent increase in the number of daily access 458-2736, [email protected] hours to water, and an average of 31 percent reduction in unaccounted water. For more information about the World Bank’s work in Tajikistan, please visit: The World Bank is committed to improving the www.worldbank.org/tj operational and financial sustainability of the utilities sector in Tajikistan. Thus, in two of the five Visit us on Facebook: towns, at the request of the Tajik Government, the http://www.facebook.com/worldbank World Bank will pilot institutional strengthening Be updated via Twitter: measures to complement infrastructure http://www.twitter.com/worldbank investments in water, sanitation, and solid waste services that can potentially be scaled up For our YouTube channel: nationally. The pilot initiatives aim to increase the http://www.youtube.com/worldbank sustainability and performance of water supply services.

World Bank in Tajikistan

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 3

Public Awareness Raising Campaign in Rudaki and Muminabad

A Public Awareness Raising Campaign was launched in five villages of : Navobod, Dovai

Bolo, Dovai , Mehtari and Nilkon, and in Dehlolo and Shululu villages of Muminabad District during September and October, 2012.

Public awareness raising activities play a crucial role in the sustainability of rural water supply projects. The effective operation of drinking water systems depends on the active participation of the local community;

therefore, it is essential to engage the community through the use of different interactive communication techniques .

The purpose of this informational campaign is to raise awareness within the community concerning the importance of water conservation, sanitation and hygiene, payment for water supply services and proper

operation and maintenance. The public awareness campaign is designed to raise basic awareness and promote discussion through focal groups on the key drinking water issues that impact on their own community.

The public awareness campaign includes:

 Talks and explanatory discussions in focus groups to promote water conservation and sanitation, the

importance of paying for the drinking water system and, personal sanitation hygiene;  Distribution of brochures and use of posters concerning water conservation and personal hygiene;  The use of UV lighting to demonstrate contamination issues and the spread of bacteria;

 Presentation (and distribution) of Cartoons in Tajik language that promote water conversation and advantages of paying for drinking water services;  Theatre performances to illustrate the importance of payment for services, effective management

systems, water conservation and the necessity to utilise personal hygiene practices in an effort to reduce waterborne diseases.

TAJWSS

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 4 Public Awareness Raising Campaign in Rudaki

IN PHOTOS

TAJWSS Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 5 USAID Tajikistan Safe Drinking Water Project is at the

finish line! Basic Project Facts Results: • Project Timeline: 2009 - 2012 Improved access to safe drinking water • Main beneficiaries: rural area residents, • Rehabilitated 29 rural water supply systems in schoolchildren, participating teachers, health targeted communities of 9 districts of Central and workers, etc. Southern Tajikistan which provides access to safe • Partners: Raion Chairpersons, 29 Jamoats heads, drinking water for more than 110,000 rural villagers. 52 mahalla/village leaders, 13 Community Water • Strengthened local capacity of officials to operate Boards (CWB), Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH) and manage water systems by supporting the Committees establishment of 13 pilot community water boards, • Target Raions: , Khuroson, Bokhtar, involving community water users in the decision

Sahrinav, Rudaki, Sarband, Fayzobod, , Vakhsh making process and promoting the efficient use of

safe drinking water resources. Objectives:

1. Increase access to a sustainable, safe Better Hygiene Behaviors Promoted drinking water supply in rural Tajikistan through • Trained 579 Child-to-Child educators including 39

support for improvements in supply infrastructure, participating teachers; and 537 community health

enhanced local government capacity, and educators/volunteers including 49 local health

community involvement in the operation and workers.

management of this infrastructure. • More than 65,000 schoolchildren participated in

2. Build capacity among local health officials, health and hygiene education sessions conducted by community leaders, and the private sector to TSDWP trained Child-to-Child educators and more promote key improved hygiene behaviors and than 57,000 adults heard health and hygiene associated products, with a focus on the messages. • geographic areas targeted for safe drinking water Developed 4 short video clips on key health and projects. hygiene promotion. These were used for the

TSDWP Key Focus Elements: educational sessions as well as broadcast via national TV Tojikiston and the local TV station of Khatlon Integration of safe drinking water and Oblast. More than 3,000,000 people have received improved health and hygiene. these messages, promoting hygiene behavior Implementation at the community level as a changes on multiple occasions. • part of USAID Health Portfolio in Tajikistan. Distributed 9,000 copies of the health and hygiene education brochure regarding “5 Steps on Hand Washing with Soap” in the partner communities.

USAID Tajikistan Safe Drinking Water Project Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 6

U.S. Embassy rehabilitates drinking water supply

system in Bokhtar district

June 19, 2012 the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially handed over a rehabilitated drinking water system to the Bokhtar Water Service, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said. The Water Service caters to 1,900 residents of the Ismoili Somoni Township in the Bokhtar District. The Bokhtar District Chairman, Mr. Abdualim Ismoilov, and USAID’s Regional Democracy and Governance Director for Central Asia, Mr. David Hoffman, led the In 2008, the pipeline was completely blocked off ceremony. Representatives of the District, due to leakages, and the residents have been Jamoat administrators, and residents of Ismoili without running water ever since. As part of this Somoni Township were also in attendance. project, USAID also installed individual The project is part of USAID’s Local standpipes in households, replacing community standpipes. Residents were also offered the Development Initiative, which works in six to improve the quality of installation of water meters in their households, local governance and service delivery. which would allow them to pay by volume of water used. Mr. Hoffman stated, “Clean and reliable sources of water for Tajik citizens have been The water system will be maintained and one of USAID’s objectives for a long time - they managed by the District’s Water Service, which improve health, which has a direct effect on received technical assistance from USAID on how

the economic growth and stability of a region. to ensure continuous and reliable water supply We are happy to help the residents of Ismoili to customers. USAID will also train Jamoat Somoni Township achieve this goal. We would representatives and water supply specialists on

also like to congratulate the Bokhtar District tariff setting, fee collection, accounting, and and its citizens for working so well together to effective maintenance and operation of water provide significant contributions to the intakes and pump facilities.

extension of this water system.” The USAID Local Development Initiative is one of Residents of Gagarina, Shevchenko, and Sino many assistance projects supported by the streets of the Ismoili Somoni Township and American people through USAID. Since 1992,

Bokhtar District officials worked together with the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has provided USAID to build a 1,792 meter water pipeline to more than $984 million in programs that support bring water to their residences. The water Tajikistan’s security, democratic institutions,

pipeline network supplying these streets was social sector, and economic growth. originally built in 1968 and had not been 7 repaired since the 1970s.

USAID in Tajikistan

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 7

TajWSS Project Team

Shane Stevenson – Project Manager Brian Wettlaufer – Assistant Project Manager

Alisher Alimov – National Technical Officer Parviz Khudoydodov - Project Officer, Capacity Building and Trust Fund

Nazokat Kushnazarova – Project Officer, Network Dilafruz Usmanova – Communication and Reporting Officer

Firuza Kirgizbekova – Project Administrator

OXFAM in the Republic of Tajikistan: 48 Ayni St., Business centre “Sozidanie”, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Tel.: +992 (48) 7015121 fax: +992 (48) 7015123 Email: [email protected]

Tajikistan Water Supply and Sanitation Project (TajWSS) encourages the members of TajWSS Network to share information about their recent activity and achievements in the TajWSS Newsline.

TajWSS Network of Stakeholders

The Network organized under the project umbrella includes representatives of the Government of Tajikistan, donor organizations, local and international NGOs, private sector, civil society,

media and other stakeholders that seek to address sustainability by sharing up-to-date information, best practices, and pilot innovative methods that feed into the development of

policy proposals. www.tajwss.tj

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

This project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). SDC is responsible for the overall coordination of

development activities and cooperation with Eastern Europe, as well as for the humanitarian aid delivered by the Swiss Confederation. SDC is part of the Federal Department of Foreign

Affairs (FDFA). www.swisscoop.tj - www.deza.admin.ch

This project is implemented by OXFAM in Tajikistan in partnership with Ministry of land reclamation and water resources and UNDP in Tajikistan.

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Oxfam in Tajikistan is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 612172. Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/

Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering 8