Address of the Government to the Nation
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Dear Compatriots!
As you all know, we have made significant progress in the country’s energy sector over the past few years.
The commissioning of two hydro units of Rogun, the launch of Sangtuda-1, Sangtuda-2, and Tojikiston hydroelectric power plants, Dushanbe 2 thermal power plant, and dozens of small-scale hydropower plants are among Tajikistan’s achievements in recent years on its way towards energy independence.
As a result, restrictions of power supply in the country was completely lifted from January 14, 2017. In the first years after independence, our inhabitants had electricity for only two hours a day. However, from January 14, 2017, the people of Tajikistan have been provided with electricity 24 hours a day.
As our dear compatriots are aware, the process of climate change and global warming is a reality, the impact of which, especially this year, has intensified in Tajikistan. In the fall and winter of 2019-2020, in the formation zone of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers, the snowfall decreased to 50% of the volume of previous years. This is the first such instance in the history of Tajikistan.
The water levels in Vaksh and Panj Rivers are 800 and 2,000 cubic meters less than last year respectively, which is a 50% reduction. This volume of water is a clear sign that there is too little snow in the mountains. Likewise, the water reserves in the Norak reservoir are 17 meters less than in the previous year. If this situation continues, water reserves in the reservoir will be severely reduced, a consequence of which will be electricity shortages during winter seasons. Fifty percent of the produced electricity is used by the population.
We are all too aware of winter difficulties compared to those of summer. That is, today we can prevent the problems of the coming autumn and winter seasons by rational use of electricity.
In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan addresses the nation and asks to correctly perceive the Electricity Supply Regulations introduced by Barki Tojik for the sole purpose of reserving water in the Norak reservoir.
Today, we were even forced to cut off electricity supplies to the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan before the deadline set by interstate agreements.
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan addresses the nation with a request to treat this decision with understanding. In the current situation, this is the only way that we can avoid problems in winter.
Considering the current situation, every citizen, every family, all organizations and institutions, companies and enterprises, regardless of ownership, must consume electricity rationally.
Each and every one of us should keep in mind that by using electricity rationally today, we will be able to meet the winter period without any problems.
The Government informs the glorious people of Tajikistan that it is taking all the necessary measures to ensure that the people of the country do not suffer in upcoming autumn or winter season.