The Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Management Project in Tajikistan, phase II funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by AKF/MSDSP, is working to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in the country. One of the components of this effort is a comprehensive feasibility study for a decentralised wastewater treatment system (DEWATS) in Darai Mukhtor village, located in Khovaling district of the Khatlon region, which Equidev completed between July and September 2024. This study explores the potential of DEWATS to provide a sustainable solution to the village’s increasing sanitation needs.
While Equidev has previously constructed DEWATS systems at rural hospitals, this would be the first time such a system is considered for household use in a village. A recent survey revealed that 70% of the community has concerns over hygiene, underscoring the need for improved sanitation.
The feasibility study explores whether a DEWATS system could address these concerns by connecting households to a small wastewater treatment plant. This would allow for safe disposal, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution tailored to the village’s needs. However, the actual construction of the system is contingent on the study’s findings. If DEWATS is deemed feasible, the project may fund its implementation, marking a significant milestone for rural sanitation.
In August 2024, Equidev engaged key stakeholders, including local authorities and community leaders, to introduce the project and ensure their active involvement. These discussions were crucial in assessing local needs and ensuring the proposed system aligns with the community’s expectations. Detailed site assessments were also carried out to evaluate the feasibility of implementing DEWATS in the village.
Equidev remains dedicated to bringing innovative, community-driven solutions to rural Tajikistan. Implementation of the DEWATS in Darai Mukhtor could become a model for sustainable wastewater management in villages across the region, highlighting the critical role of feasibility studies in shaping the future of rural development.
This initiative is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the framework of Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation Management Project in Tajikistan, Phase II.
