Two automated gauging stations have been reintroduced into operation along Tajikistan’s common border with Uzbekistan, according to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan (MoEWR).

The rehabilitated facilities reportedly reopened along the transboundary Big Fergana Canal and North Fergana Canal on February 23. 

The official reopening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Daler Juma and the Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan Shavkat Hamrayev. 

An official source within a MoEWR says the rehabilitated hydroposts “Patar” and “Sarvak” are expected to  provide automated accounting and transmission of data on water consumption in real time and ensure more efficient management of water resources in transboundary canals.

This was reportedly made possible through the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative of the Government of Switzerland.

The awareness of the need for regional cross-border water cooperation in Central Asia has substantially increased in recent years.  Its complexity requires smart solutions and policies both at national and regional levels.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has supported the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative since 2014. 

BPCA promotes water cooperation in the region to address questions related to increasing competing interests in water, foster the understanding of the region as interdependent, and support common solutions on water for the benefit of all.  

The Swiss  Cooperation Office in Tajikistan represents the Swiss Government in Tajikistan and supervises Swiss projects implemented in Tajikistan funded by two Swiss Federal Agencies – the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Switzerland supports Tajikistan in its economic, social and political transitions. The objective of its Cooperation Program is to promote peace and social cohesion as well as responsive and inclusive institutions and a sustainable development to improve the well-being of the population.

In 2022, Switzerland and Tajikistan mark 30 years anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations.