Extreme cold in Tajikistan – 2008

People cook in a yard outside their house in Dushanbe. Photo: REUTERS/Nozim Kalandarov(TAJIKISTAN), courtesy of alertnet.org The harshest winter for 50 years caused electricity and clean water shortages in parts of Tajikistan where the temperature dropped as low as minus 25° Celsius.

The situation

Tajikistan experienced its harshest winter in five decades in 2008. Temperatures averaged minus 15° Celsius during the day and dropped as low as minus 25° at night.

The water network in Kulyab city in the south of the country, which serves 109,668 people, was badly damaged as a result of the harsh weather conditions. Many pipes were frozen and 57 per cent of the population were left unable to access clean water.

The electricity supply in the city was also extremely limited, and there were prolonged power cuts. This prevented emergency and natal hospital wards from functioning.

This year was particularly difficult, not only for my family, but for my neighbours as well. Because water pipes broke, water did not run out of our taps for three months. We either bought water or went and fetched it. We had to walk for long distances in the freezing cold and stand in queues just to get ten litres of water.

Zebunisso Zokirova, Kulyab, Tajikstan

Oxfam's response

Oxfam took immediate action to assess how the most vulnerable groups in Kulyab had been affected by the energy shortage and exceptionally cold weather. We launched a response to reach 171,200 people.

For almost three weeks now, we have been able to drink clean water for our taps. Oxfam solved what was a big problem for us. My neighbours and myself are very grateful.

Zebunisso Zokirova

Oxfam repairs broken pipes in Kulyab's water network. Photo: Oxfam Oxfam's emergency programme included providing generators, water pumps, blankets, and heaters to hospitals and orphanages in Kulyab. Our work also included helping improve people's access to clean water by repairing damages to the water system and maintaining water tanks.

We also maintained the sewage treatment plant to ensure the proper treatment and safe disposal of wastewater generated in Kulyab, which, if not treated, could have caused a public health risk.

Oxfam GB's activities were jointly funded by Oxfam Novib.