DUSHANBE, August 21, Asia-Plus -- On Saturday August 19, the Dushanbe mayor’s office gave a news conference on a progress of preparations for autumn-winter 2006-2007.  

Speaking to journalists, Deputy Dushanbe Mayor, Jamshed Mansourov, noted that 16 kilometers of new underground cables have been constructed, further 19 transformers have been put into operation, and 660 of 1000 power-transmission lines’ poles have been replaced since the beginning of the year. 

“At the same time, the low rate of the collection of funds from the public and enterprises for electric power evokes concern,” said Mr. Mansourov, “Because of this the second stage of the construction of the sub-station “Sultoni Kabir” and replacement of sub-station “Bahor” in microrayon # 102 are under the threat of derangement.”   It may break preparations for the winter season, according to him.   

Haidarali Niyozov, the head of the energy sale department of the Dushanbe mayor’s office, told the news conference that the total rate of collection of funds for electricity had amounted to 86.9 percent.  “The rate of collection of funds from the public has amounted to 74 percent,” Mr. Niyozov noted.  

He also recalled that by special resolution of the government Dushanbe received electricity without limitations at the rate of 0.016 Somoni per kWh within the limit of 250 kWh, and at the rate of 0.027 Somoni for electricity used in excess of 250 kWh.  

“Materials of two the most incorrigible nonpayers from the Shohmansour district of Dushanbe have been brought into the law enforcement agencies,” said Niyozov, “The district prosecutor’s office has instituted criminal proceedings against them.”