Khujand, Tajikistan
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| Bridge across the river of Sir Daryo in Khujand city |
Khujand, as the second largest city in Tajikistan and the largest industrial and cultural centre of northern Tajikistan, is situated on the beautiful lands stretching along the Sir-Darya River at the height of more than 300 meter above sea level.
Due to its climate and beneficial geographical position the Fergana Valley where the city lies is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Its green mountainous countryside and clean air, the running waters of the Sir-Darya as well as the abundance of fruit and grapes and other gifts of nature make it an ever young-park-city.
Khujand is home to one of ancient civilizations in Central Asia and beside Samarqand and Bukhara is one of the major culture centers of Tajik people.
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| Arbob fortress in Khujand |
As the golden entrance to Ferghana Valley, Khujand enjoyed prosperity and its riches spawned palaces, grand mosques and a citadel before the Mongoles steamrollered the city into oblivion in the early 13th century.
Having more than 2500 years old of civilization, passing historical ups and downs, possessing a creative culture, Khujand has attained a very high status in Tajikistan's splendid history and civilization.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN KHUJAND
In Khujand centralized water systems distribute water that is not suitable for drinking. At least 50% of the centralized water system in the area neither functions nor meets sanitary requirements. The water supply infrastructure in town is in a state of complete disrepair, at least 70% needs completely replaced. The civil war and subsequent economic collapse has left thousands of families without access to decent housing. The people cannot afford to build new homes and the existing housing stock is deteriorating because of neglect and lack of funding from the government.
HFHT affiliate in Khujand has received applications from 780 families living in inadequate housing over the last 2 years. Out of this number 408 qualify the Habitat partner family selection criteria: eligibility of the future home-owners were assessed using criteria based on income, current living conditions and willingness to participate in community building for the new neighborhood. This selection was done under supervision of an independent family selection committee. These families live with limited income in substandard living conditions and cannot break the cycle of poverty on their own.
This project is taking place in Khujand on land donated by the local government. Habitat Tajikistan in partnership with the local government is developing a community of 330 homes (this project will fund the initial phase of 82) with full water, sanitation and sewage services included. This will provide decent housing for over 1650 people. So far the affiliate has almost completed six duplex houses for 12 families in this plot of land but due to the challenges the local government faced in financing the infrastructure these homes can’t be finished.
Habitat Tajikistan started hosting its first GV team in Khujand city in 2005. Up to date 5 GV teams has been hosted in this location and more than 5 houses and up few apartments were renovated with the help of GV volunteers. All the GV teams had a fabulous experience in this ancient country and here are the comments of volunteers from recent GV team in Khujand:
“It's the people in Tajikistan that make it such a nice place, and it is so easy to be friend with them. I hope to stay in touch with those hard-working and dedicated Habitat Tajikistan staffers and families for a very long time”
- Bruce, US GV10475 team leader.
“The cultural – social component were the highlight. Meeting people with great need express profound appreciation to HFH, the team, and Americans was touching”
– David, US GV10475 team member
“I am glad I came. The program really opened my eyes and taught me how lucky I am”
– Rowan, 16 y.o. US GV10475 team member.
For more information contact Habitat for Humainty Tajikstan Global Village Coordinator Farhod Nabiyulloev at farhod@habitat.tj or visit Habitat for Humanity International website at www.habitat.org/gv
