Vanj 1: Improving the quality of life through electricity provision

The project’s expected effect(s) on society is: Improve the quality of life of vulnerable households in remote areas of Eastern Tajikistan and Northern Afghanistan through better regional electricity connectivity and provision. Specific objective: Improved long-term access to energy services in Viloyati-Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon (VMKB), Tajikistan and Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan by connecting the existing main grid with the smaller grid in Vanj and Darvaz districts of Tajikistan and ultimately to the National Grid of Tajikistan. The overall lack of access to electricity directly contributes to exacerbating poverty as it significantly impedes quality of life and economic development: - Women, children and youth, are often responsible for household energy resources, spend 6-7 hours a day on average collecting and preparing traditional fuel sources (primarily wood and dung). This continues to create obstacles to women and youth empowerment and their ability to pursue economic opportunities and to seek economic inclusion. - As firewood continues to remain the major source of energy, long lasting detrimental impact on the environment are clearly noticeable as firewood scarcity has already resulted in deforestation and desertification of orchards and private gardens. - The lack of electricity equally affects the quality of basic services provision since educational infrastructure remain insufficiently electrified and continue to offer very harsh studying conditions for local children, particularly during the winter months.l Expected results: Outcome 1.Long-term reliable supply of electricity ensured through climate change and disaster resilient infrastructures Outcome 2. Expanded provision of electricity supply to various entities including households, government and commercial organizations in Eastern Tajikistan Outcome 3. Access to reliable electricity provided for the vulnerable non-electrified village of Khehik in Vanj district