DUSHANBE , April 18, Asia-Plus  -- The 13th session of the Dushanbe legislature (Majlis) that was held on April 17 focused on issues related to preparation of the capital city for autumn-winter 2008-09.   

Speaking at the session, the capital mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev noted that the main reason for early discussion of that issue is the last sever winter.   

Sharifkhon Samiyev, the head of Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding, noted that electricity rationing has been effective in all regions of the country except Dushanbe due to low water levels on the Vakhsh River .  

  “Because of Vakhsh River’s low water the water levels at the reservoir powering the Norak hydroelectric power station (HPS) are currently at 856.7 meters above sea level and it remains just 27 centimeters to critical levels,” Samiyev said, linking this to low temperatures in the upper reach of the river.    Because of low temperatures mountain snow has not yet melted, according to him.   

The Barqi Tojik top manager also noted that major repairs to the Dushanbe heat and power station had already started.   “We plan to complete the major repairs before September and the repairs require $15 million,” said Samiyev.   “I hope will find this amount with assistance of the government”      

The mayor stressed that all organizations irrespective of forms of property as well as the city residents themselves should make preparations for winter and charged relevant municipal structures to increase the number of shops selling coal and firewood in the city.   

          The session adopted a resolution requiring setting up commissions on preparations for winter in each of Dushanbe ’s districts as well as organizations and enterprises located in Dushanbe .