Japan is assisting to transform lives in Tajikistan by providing access to safe and clean drinking water for over 50,000 residents of Abdurahmoni-Jomi district in Khatlon Region.
Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health and sustainable development, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.
In line with this, the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is supporting the Project for Improvement of Water Supply Systems in Jomi District, Khatlon Region, which aims to improve the daily lives of more than 50,000 residents in Jomi town and surrounding villages.
The Grant Aid project, valued at 2,095,000,000 Japanese yen (approximately $14 million), is designed to provide 24-hour access to safe water, reduce the burden of water collection-especially for women and children-improve hygiene and sanitation, and foster better health outcomes and socio-economic opportunities. The project is being implemented in close collaboration with the State Unitary Enterprise Khojagii Manziliyu-Kommunali (SUE KMK) and local authorities.
This year, JICA also launched technical support for the Vodokanal of Abdurahmoni-Jomi District. The initiative introduced a metered tariff system that reduces water wastage, lowers energy consumption, and alleviates financial pressures on the utility, creating a more efficient and environmentally sustainable water supply system.
Commenting on the project, Mr. Amirkhon Qurbonzoda, First Deputy Governor of Khatlon Province, said: “Enhancing water supply services marks a significant step forward for our region’s development. This collaboration highlights water resource management as a key pillar of Tajikistan-Japan partnership. On behalf of our people and government, we express heartfelt gratitude to Japan for their generous support, which not only improves lives today but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
Ms. Keiko Furuta, Ambassador of Japan to Tajikistan, added: “Our collaboration supports Tajikistan’s international initiatives on water and demonstrates Japan’s commitment to addressing global water challenges. This partnership advances sustainable development goals and further strengthens the enduring friendship between our nations.”
Mr. Seiju Imai, Chief Representative of JICA Tajikistan, emphasized: “It is an honor for JICA to implement this project, benefiting over 50,000 residents by reducing the burden of water collection, improving health and sanitation, and building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future for the region.”
The initiative builds on decades of Japan’s cooperation with Tajikistan in the water sector, including training Tajik engineers in Japan, dispatching Japanese civil engineering experts, and completing five previous projects to improve rural and urban water supply, enhance service delivery, and strengthen institutional capacity.
Since 2007, JICA has invested nearly $50 million in Tajikistan’s water sector. Grant Aid projects totaling 5,680,000,000 JPY (around $39 million) have upgraded water infrastructure in underserved areas like Khatlon Region, while Technical Cooperation Projects have invested over 1,320,000,000 JPY (approximately $9 million) to enhance human resources and water service management. These efforts have improved access to safe drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people, reduced health risks, and promoted sustainable community engagement.
Through this comprehensive partnership, JICA and the Government of Tajikistan continue working toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. The Jomi District project also highlights Japan’s commitment to the Water Action Decade 2018-2028, led by Tajikistan.
