Translated with AI
Water users' outstanding debt for irrigation water supply services in Tajikistan, including debts from previous years, has reached 402.9 million somoni. This was announced on July 9 at a press conference by the Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, summarizing its performance in the first half of 2026.
According to the agency, over the past six months, state land reclamation and irrigation departments in cities and districts have signed contracts with 62,062 water users. Water supply services were provided over an area of 502,866 hectares.
In the first half of the year, 1 billion 774.3 million cubic meters of water were supplied to water users. The total cost of services rendered amounted to 84.9 million somoni.
In fact, 33.4 million somoni, or 39% of the cost of water supplied, were paid for water supply services. Compared to the same period last year, the amount of payments increased by 5.5 million somoni.
The Agency notes that state land reclamation and irrigation departments fulfill their contractual obligations to provide irrigation water to consumers. However, water users, especially agricultural producers, do not always pay for services on time and in full.
As a result, the debt continues to grow. Taking into account debt accumulated in previous years, it has reached 402.9 million somoni.
The growth of water debt, as noted in the Agency's data, also leads to an increase in the accounts payable of enterprises in the industry, including obligations for social security and tax payments.
To collect debts, land reclamation and irrigation departments turn to economic courts and prosecutorial authorities.
In the first half of 2026, documents and claims for the recovery of 56.2 million somoni in debt were sent to the relevant authorities.
Based on the results of the review of cases, 25.3 million somoni have already been recovered in favor of the state land reclamation and irrigation departments. Cases for an additional 30.9 million somoni are pending review.
The Agency emphasized that stable payments for water supply services are essential for the operation of irrigation infrastructure, including the operation of pumping stations and other irrigation system facilities.
There are currently 240 water user associations operating in Tajikistan. They service 499,500 hectares, or approximately 66% of all irrigated land in the country.
