DUSHANBE, April 15, 2015, Asia-Plus -- On Tuesday April 14, Dushanbe Mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev met here with a delegation of the World Bank, led by Mr. Pier Francesco Mantovani, Team Leader of the Second Dushanbe Water Supply Project.

The sides reportedly discussed the progress of implementation of the project.

The project that was launched on December 8, 2011 is aimed at further improving the quality of water in Dushanbe and strengthening the performance capacity of municipal water services utility.

The intermediary objective of this US$19 million project is to provide technical assistance to improve management, operational and technical knowledge within the “Dushanbe Vodokanal,” which would set this utility enterprise on a path of improved compliance, customer service and financial viability.  Through provision of such assistance, the project aims to ensure tangible improvements in the quality, delivery and efficiency of potable water services to its main targeted beneficiaries – the people of Dushanbe.  The project is funded with a US$16 million grant by the International Development Association (IDA) and with a US$3 million co-financing credit by the Municipality of Dushanbe, and will be implemented over a 5-year period.

The second project consists of four components.  The first component finances consumption metering and bulk metering of water, for increased revenue, reduced wastage, and better tracking of losses.  The second component supports system upgrades for the improvement of water quality, such as installation of re-chlorination systems and equipment for water quality monitoring.  The third component aids in institutional strengthening and capacity building of “Dushanbe Vodokanal” to improve its utility performance. The final fourth component is the project implementation support, directed at ensuring an efficient and timely delivery of results.