DUSHANBE, October 7, 2014, Asia-Plus – On Tuesday October 7, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon,  Deputy Prime Minister Murodali Alimardon, Khatlon Governor Davlatsho Gulmahmadzoda, Minister of Transport Khairullo Asozoda, Jilikul District Head Khojamurod Fazliddinov, Japan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Takashi Kamada, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Acting Resident Representative Kazuya Suzuki and other officials attended the handover ceremony of the asphalt plant as well as road maintenance equipment in Jilikul district of Khatlon province.

According to JICA Tajikistan Office, the asphalt plant has been constructed and equipment delivered within the Grant Project for “Improvement of Equipment for Road Maintenance in Khatlon Province and Districts Subordinate to the Center” provided by the Government of Japan, through JICA.

The total amount of the grant is 13, 44 million USD.  The Plant is expected to contribute to the improvement of the road quality and sustainability in the region through producing hot asphalt to be used for rehabilitation of road, which is much stronger and of better quality compared to the cold asphalt which is currently being used for repair work.  It was acknowledged by the President of Tajikistan who stated that the plant will contribute to the improvement of road construction and maintenance in the region.

As for the road maintenance equipment, it is expected to improve the strength and the durability of the repaired parts of road and increase the efficiency of snow clearing and melting works during winter time.  JICA is also conducting a technical cooperation project for the staff of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to improve their knowledge and capacity on road repairing and maintenance.  By providing both maintenance equipment and trainings, JICA aims to assist the MoT to achieve an appropriate operation and maintenance of the road and improve efficiency of the freight and passenger transportation. 

A similar asphalt plant was constructed and is now operating in the Vahdat Township.  The plant was also constructed within JICA’s Grant Project for “Improvement of Equipment for Road Maintenance in Khatlon Province and Districts Subordinate to the Center.”