The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Tajikistan inaugurated two WFP-funded bridges over the Yaghnob River, at a ceremony attended by Rajabboy Ahmadzoda, governor of Sughd province, along with representatives from the Ayni district and residents of the valley.

The bridges will strengthen economic capacities and improve livelihoods and food security of rural communities in this valley of the Sughd province.

Spanning 10 and 25 meters each, the bridges are strategically located just 105 kilometers north of Dushanbe and will serve as the lifeline connecting 10 villages within the Yaghnob Valley.  Previously, the absence of usable road bridges had frequently disrupted access to the valley's center and inner villages for its residents, causing hardship and isolation.

"We believe in creating an enabling environment that spurs local economic development that enhances food and nutrition security”, said Charles Inwani, WFP Deputy Country Director in Tajikistan.  “The Yaghnob bridges links rural communities that have much potential, to bigger markets for the agricultural products they grow offering them greater economic opportunities.”

The construction of the bridges was finalized in partnership with Welthungerhilfe and local authorities of Ayni district in Sughd province.  Under the supervision of WFP’s engineering teams and in collaboration with a local cooperative partner, the project generated employment opportunities for residents as equipment operators and drivers.

Improving local infrastructure to enhance livelihoods is part of WFP’s goal to achieve sustainable development, gender equality and food security in the remote and mountainous Yaghnob Valley.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.