DUSHANBE, November 22, Asia-Plus - “We hope Russia will allocate funds from its budget for completing the construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power station in Tajikistan,” Energy Minister Abdullo Yorov told journalists in Dushanbe on November 22, noting that Russia will definitely be one of co-investors of this project.  

He also did not rule out that Russian Aluminum (RusAl) will continue working on the implementation of an agreement signed in Dushanbe in October 2004.  He noted that during the first stage of the project RusAl had funded the conduct of feasibility study for the Roghun power plant and started preparatory works on the sites.   

“We are currently reviewing the feasibility study and the Tajik state structure will determine ownership share of Tajikistan in the plant,” Yorov said.  

The minister noted that Tajikistan government has decided to start the construction of the Roghun plant in 2007 with use of its own funds, attracting loans and using funds collected from the public for electricity supplies.  The minister added that the Roghun project is expected to be discussed at the nest meeting of the Tajik-Russian commission for economic cooperation set for December.  

We will recall that on October 27, asked to comment on President Rahmonov’s statement that Tajikistan will continue construction of the Roghun hydropower plant with national funds, Tajik Energy Minister Abdullo Yorov told journalists that Tajikistan will construct the Roghun station; “this is beyond all question.”  ”I am sure the solution to this problem will be found,” said Yorov, “If we find funds, we will start construction this year, if not next year.”  Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Ghulomov told journalists that RusAl will participate in the construction of the Roghun station at all stages.  Konstantin Zagrebelny, the head of the Tajik office of RusAl, noted that the Russian government will decide which Russian company will construct the Roghun power plant in Tajikistan. “However, we hope for participation in the first stage of the construction.”