DUSHANBE, March 1, Asia-Plus  -- The Secretary of State for International Development, Mr. Douglas Alexander, on February 29 announced a total package of $3 million to support international relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis in Tajikistan, press release issued by the British Embassy in Dushanbe said.

This will provide an additional $2 million to the $1 million of support announced by the British Embassy in Dushanbe last week. The funding will provide essential items and services for those made vulnerable by the severe winter temperatures and energy crisis.

According to press release, speaking in London, Mr. Alexander said: “The harsh winter, combined with the growing energy crisis, is putting many tens of thousands of Tajik people at risk.  “The UK’s support, along with that of the international community, will help the most vulnerable through the worst of the current situation. Generators will provide power for schools and hospitals left without electricity, and blankets and baby warmers will give vital support in the freezing conditions.”

Speaking from Dushanbe airport February 28 night, as the first delivery of British-financed supplies arrived, Dylan Winder, Head of the DFID office in Dushanbe said: “I am happy to see these much needed supplies on the ground in Tajikistan. We hope that these goods will reduce the suffering of those Tajik people most in need.  DFID is committed to working alongside the international community and the Government of Tajikistan to assist in the current crisis.”

The assistance promised by the British Government will be allocated roughly as follows: $1,000,000 for two emergency airlifts providing blankets, generators, water purification tablets, baby warming beds and jerrycans; more than $1,000,000 for the distribution of emergency items by three NGOs, Mercy Corps, Save the Children and CARE International, including baby warming beds and cash for food that will provide immediate relief to poor and vulnerable communities; $700,000 to help increase water supplies to Dushanbe, Khujand, and Qurghon Teppa running tanker services and essential repairs to water and sewerage systems; and $110,000 to help the UN co-ordination of the emergency response.

The British Embassy and DFID Tajikistan will be involved in monitoring both the proper distribution of this emergency assistance and in closely assessing the emergency situation in Tajikistan.

The Department for International Development (DFID) is the part of the United Kingdom Government that manages Britain’s aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty. 

DFID supports long-term programs to help tackle the underlying causes of poverty in over 150 countries world-wide. DFID also responds to humanitarian crises around the world, providing funding to relief operations, search and rescue expertise and emergency supplies to help save lives when disasters strike.

DFID has been involved in Tajikistan since 2003, working with the Government to tackle poverty by boosting enterprise and livelihoods and helping solve land disputes. It has provided over $12 million support during that time.