The European Union and Tajikistan on December 10 marked the successful completion of two newly constructed pipelines in the city of Istiklol (formerly Taboshar), an important milestone under the EU’s long-standing commitment to improving environmental safety and addressing uranium legacy sites in Central Asia, the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan reported.
The opening ceremony, held in Istiklol, brought together representatives of the European Union, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, local authorities, and international partners supporting the initiative.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Isabel Úriz Hernández, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Tajikistan emphasized the EU’s continued support to Tajikistan: “The European Union is proud to support this important project in Istiklol. Addressing the environmental legacy of historical uranium mining is a shared responsibility, and today’s achievement reflects our commitment to supporting the safety, resilience, and well-being of communities in Tajikistan.”
Aziz Nazar, Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies, noted the value of EU cooperation: “This project is an important step forward for the people of Istiklol. We highly appreciate the European Union’s support and the strong partnership that made this result possible.”
Kayum Makhmudzoda, Chairman of Istiklol city administration, noted that these pipelines will have an immediate positive impact on residents: “For our community, these new pipelines will make an immediate and meaningful difference. For the first time, we can rely on a safe system that protects our neighbourhoods from contaminated water and ensures a steady flow of clean spring water for everyday use. This project brings reassurance to local families and gives us confidence in a healthier, safer future.”
The new pipelines provide a sustainable, long-term solution to the long-standing issue of contaminated mine water originating from the former uranium mine. This water has migrated through fractured geological layers and, at times, toward residential areas, posing environmental and public-health risks. The EU-funded project redirected the flow safely away from populated areas, reducing risks for local communities and contributing to long-term environmental protection. The second pipeline provides the residents with clean and fresh water coming directly from the mountains.
