Arrivals from abroad in shock: no electricity, but life is like in Dubai

On September 26, 2024, a video went viral in the Tajik segment of the internet, where the author complains about the difficult economic situation, power outages, and slow internet in Tajikistan.

The author of the video claims that after returning to his homeland, he does not understand where he has landed – in Dushanbe or Dubai?

According to him, it seemed like he had arrived in Dubai, but not because of luxury and development, but due to the high prices. He states that one serving of “Ugro” – a national soup with handmade noodles – costs 200 somoni (about 20 dollars).

The author also complained about the speed and quality of the internet.

“After long inquiries, I bought quality internet for 200 somoni. But to work normally, you need to go up on the roof or climb a tree. Otherwise, there is no internet at all,” says the author of the video.

According to him, the main problem for residents of rural areas is power outages.

“How can a person live normally in the 21st century under such conditions?” You take your car to the wash, but there is no electricity; you want to dry your hair with a hairdryer – there is no electricity. You want to take a shower, the water heater doesn’t work because there is no electricity; you want to use the refrigerator – there is no electricity. What is this all about?” the author of the video complains.

According to the author, this situation exists in all remote areas and villages, but not in the capital.

“However, people also live in villages and districts, and they have their own needs too. We came back to our homeland from abroad; will you allow us to live in our homeland, or will we have to go somewhere else to live?” he questions.

The video author emphasizes that these problems existed 5 years ago, they still exist now, and he asks when these issues will be resolved. The only thing that has changed, according to him, is the increase in food prices.

Starting from September 22, restrictions on electricity supply were introduced in Tajikistan. Unlike previous years, the authorities this year immediately acknowledged that the country would face energy limits. Usually, the authorities either deny that electricity is being cut off or refer to a lack of water in reservoirs, repair work, and even increased electricity consumption by the population due to the fact that “people are living better and better,” as well as the rapid growth of the country’s economy and climate change.

About 70% of the country’s population lives in rural areas of Tajikistan, and every year, the electricity limit begins at the end of September and continues until April; people receive electricity for only 8-9 hours a day — 3 hours in the morning and 5-6 hours in the evening, and sometimes only 3-4 hours a day, that is, 1-2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening.

Emomali Rahmon has promised several times over the past 30 years that the population will be fully provided with electricity.

Earlier, Emomali Rahmon himself joyfully stated during the commissioning of the first turbine of the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station that “today the limit on electricity has turned into a fairy tale.” However, until now, during the autumn-winter period, when the population needs light and heat the most, the authorities impose limits on electricity, and people are forced to live as if in the Stone Age.