In May 2025, Equidev launched a new project under the Groundwater Management Project (GWMP) in the Sughd Region of Tajikistan. The project is implemented by Helvetas and funded by the Government of Switzerland. As one of the core implementing partners, Equidev is responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the groundwater permitting system as well as the groundwater drilling industry. These efforts are considered essential for promoting sustainable groundwater use in the country.
Since the launch, Equidev has held a series of meetings with relevant national and regional authorities, water resource managers, and drilling companies. These consultations have highlighted important challenges within the current system, including overlapping institutional roles, procedural complexities, and limited coordination. As a result, many boreholes are drilled without official permits, raising concerns about unregulated groundwater use and long-term water sustainability.
To address these gaps, Equidev is conducting a detailed assessment of legislation, institutional responsibilities, technical practices, and stakeholder capacity. The findings will inform practical policy and operational recommendations. Ultimately, the project aims to support the development of a more transparent, coordinated, and climate-resilient groundwater governance system in Tajikistan.
