DUSHANBE, March 14, Asia-Plus -- The first stage of the project aimed at improving solid waste management is ongoing in Dushanbe.

Bahrom Mahmadaliyev, the head of the Dushanbe agency for environmental protection, said in an interview with Asia-Plus that the project provides for purchase of refuse-collection machines and refuse containers to timely collect, recycle and dispose solid waste in the city.  The final objective of the project is to construct the facility for processing solid waste.

The ongoing first stage of the project envisages conducting feasibility study, studying the present refuse collection situation in Dushanbe, including the system of collection and transportation of the solid waste, tariff policy, organizing aspects of the solid waste management, as well as financial potentials of this sector to repay a loan, which is expected to be provided to fund the project by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).  “Experts from Sweden’s SWECO International AB are conducting the feasibility study,” Mahmadaliyev said.

Dushanbe official added that the first stage also includes preparing a loan agreement, outlining tariff policy, determining type and number of appropriate equipment, etc.

The first stage of the project is scheduled to have been finished by the summer this year.    

The project, which is the first cooperation between the EBRD, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and a Tajik municipality in the solid waste management sector, will bring substantial environmental, health and safety benefits to Dushanbe and surrounding communities by providing an adequate and affordable municipal waste management system. 

 A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tajikistan and the ERBD on cooperation in the solid waste sector management sector was signed in Dushanbe in January 2006.  The document was inked Safarali Najmuddinov, Tajik Minister of Finance, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, Mayor of Dushanbe, and Fernand Pillonel, Head of the Dushanbe Resident Office of the EBRD.  The EBRD has selected Sweden’s SWECO International AB as consultant to review implementation the project.   

A total cost of the Dushanbe Solid Waste Management Project is estimated at USD 10 million.  Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) supports the project with grant funding, providing some US$7 million

SWECO is the Nordic region''s leading knowledge sphere in the fields of engineering, environmental technology and architecture.  Its 3,700 consultants and architects develop creative solutions for the private and public sectors.  SWECO has established offices in 8 countries : Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Bulgaria, Estonia and Lithuania. The group currently has assignments in progress in 45 countries worldwide.