Women in Nosir Bobo, Tajikistan fill containers with clean water which is now available for the first time. Civil Affairs Soldiers from the SOCCENT Civil Military Support Element facilitated the completion of the new water system for the people of Sari-Chashma. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kenneth)
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (July 11, 2012) — Soldiers from the Special Operations Command Central Civil Military Support Element, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, officially transferred responsibility for a new water distribution system to the people of Sari-Chashma, Tajikistan this week.
Uncommonly severe flooding in Tajikistan in 2010 destroyed Sari-Chashma’s outdated water system. The new system, which incorporates a sand and rock filter along with a chlorination system, ensures that approximately 6,000 people in the region once again have access to clean water.
“This is the first time the village of Nosir Bobo has ever had access to water without having to walk to the river,” said Khamrokul Aliev, the Sari-Chashma Jamoat leader.
By constructing the means to distribute clean water throughout the region, the risk of water-borne diseases is lowered and overall health is improved.
“The completion of this water system is the result of the hard work and dedication of the people of Sari-Chashma and the U.S. Embassy,” said Cpt. Devin Conley, team leader for the CMSE.
This project is just one of many ways the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe are working to improve the quality of life for the people of Tajikistan.