The government of Tajikistan has approved a new State Program for Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation for 2025–2029, aiming to tackle one of the country’s most pressing challenges: access to clean water.

Why a new program was needed

Currently, only 41% of Tajikistan’s population has access to centralized drinking water systems.  The situation is even more critical in rural areas, where only 22% are covered, and access to proper sanitation is almost nonexistent — with only 15% of the population connected to sewage systems.

Most rural residents rely on wells, springs, or even rainwater. With climate change bringing increased droughts, floods, and deteriorating water quality, the new five-year program is seen as a timely and urgent response.

What will change?

The program includes everything from building and modernizing infrastructure to revising regulations and boosting public awareness.  Dozens of districts will receive new or upgraded water and wastewater systems.  The initiative also involves new sanitary and construction norms, installation of modern water meters, training of specialists, and launch of a centralized water monitoring system

In total, the program covers more than 18 areas of reform, including media outreach, pricing system updates, and institutional development.

Over 3 billion somonis budgeted for the water sector

The total cost of the reform exceeds 3 billion somonis (~US$275 million), with funding 295 million somonis from the national budget, 144 million somonis from local governments, 2.3 billion somonis from international partners, and additional support from private investors and consumers.

Over 1 billion somonis will go toward new construction, with nearly as much set aside for infrastructure modernization.

What will be done and where?

Investments are planned across the country, from urban centers to remote villages.  Some major beneficiaries include: Dushanbe -- 45.6 million somonis for water upgrades, 49.8 million somonis for sewage; Bobojon-Ghafourov District -- 194.8 million somonis for water, 244.9 million somonis for sanitation; Jabbor-Rasoulov District -- 201.6 million somonis for water, 224.5 million somonis for sanitations; Danghara -- 124 million somonis; and Farkhor -- 108.5 million somonis

Other targeted districts include Asht, Levakant, Khujand, Rudaki, Hisor, Vahdat, Kulob, Guliston, Isfara, Istaravshan, Khorog, Shahritous, Mastchoh, and many more.

Will clean water reach your village?

New water supply systems will be built in over 40 districts and towns, including Lakhsh, Nourobod, Rasht, Murgab, Roudaki, Danghara, Farkhor, Jaloliddin-Balkhi, Jayhun, Qubodiyon, Ayni, and others.

Modern sewage systems are also planned in Rasht, Roudaki, Farkhor, Khovaling, Muminobod, Asht, Mastchoh, Jabbor-Rasoulov, Bobojon-Ghafourov, and more — bringing new engineering infrastructure to dozens of locations across the country.

What about Dushanbe?

While Dushanbe already leads the country in access to water (95% coverage) and sanitation (70%), further modernization is planned.  The capital will focus on upgrading infrastructure with the help of international partners, introducing new service standards and automated billing systems, installing smart meters, and launching training programs for water utility staff

What could stand in the way?

The biggest threat to the reform? Delayed or insufficient funding.  Experts warn that without timely disbursement of resources, project timelines may shift, and some components may never be implemented.

To succeed, the program will require strong coordination among government agencies, local authorities, investors, and the public.

What's the goal?

If implemented as planned, by the end of 2029, access to clean drinking water in Tajikistan could rise from 41% to 72%, while sanitation coverage could double from 15% to 30%. It would mark a transformational shift in quality of life, health standards, and economic development — making clean water the norm, not the exception, across the country.