Dushanbe, November 20, 2024 – Equidev successfully concluded its groundbreaking project, Building Knowledge and Awareness on Sustainable Sanitation Solutions, during a close-out meeting held in Dushanbe. The event brought together key stakeholders, including Abdukholik Amirzoda, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan; Salome Steib, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan; Gulchehra Boboeva, CEO of Equidev; and Tim Forster, WASH Expert from Oxfam Consults, to reflect on the project’s remarkable achievements.
Funded by the Government of Switzerland, the two-year initiative addressed critical sanitation challenges in the cities and districts of Hisor, Vahdat, Ayni, and Fayzobod. By introducing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), Equidev offered innovative and sustainable solutions to improve public health and protect the environment in rural Tajikistan.
Key achievements included a comprehensive assessment of five DEWATS systems across Tajikistan, evaluating their environmental, operational, and economic impact. Laboratory tests confirmed that treated wastewater is safe for discharge and agricultural reuse, showcasing the potential of these systems to transform rural sanitation.
A significant milestone was the integration of a DEWATS course into Tajik Technical University’s curriculum, launching in January 2025. This course will equip future engineers with the knowledge and skills to design and implement sustainable sanitation solutions across the country.
Another highlight was the construction of a DEWATS facility at Miskinobod Hospital in Fayzobod, significantly improving sanitation for patients and staff. To ensure long-term functionality, 20 hospital staff members were trained in the system’s operation and maintenance.
Speaking at the event, Salome Steib emphasized the importance of sustainability in achieving long-term results: “By investing in innovative solutions, Switzerland is helping create a healthier, more resilient environment for current and future generations, leaving no one behind. The key to success is sustainability, and it’s up to the local government and community to ensure this vital resource lasts.”
Equidev CEO Gulchehra Boboeva highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the project, stating: “The completion of this project is not the end, but rather the beginning of Equidev’s continued efforts to address water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in Tajikistan. While we have achieved significant progress, there is still much to be done. Only through collective efforts and collaboration can we achieve our ambitious goals.”
Through this initiative, over 150 stakeholders were engaged in workshops on decentralized sanitation solutions, while 80 health workers were trained in hygiene practices, fostering healthier and more resilient rural communities.
The project represents a significant step forward in achieving equitable access to sanitation in Tajikistan’s rural areas. Equidev remains committed to expanding its innovative projects and working alongside partners to improve public health and environmental sustainability.
