Living conditions of border guards sufficiently improved

On 30 June 2015, the "Takhti Sangin" border post  located on the Tajik-Afghan border was opened after reconstruction. The reconstruction was completed within the framework of the UNODC project "Strengthening Control along the Tajik-Afghan Border", with the financial support of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. In line with the new National Border Control Strategy for 2010-2025, adopted by the Government of Tajikistan, the "Takhti Sangin" border post was considered as the most sensitive location at the Tajik-Afghan border in terms of drug trafficking and other border crossings violations, which required special attention.

Since the construction of the border post, the living conditions for officers and soldiers were sufficiently improved. Moreover, the construction of soldier's camps and officers' quarters are of high quality, and are comfortable and waterproof. The border post is  now equipped with the summer kitchen, a supply of cold and hot water, electricity, heating, sewerage, a ventilation system and a lavatory. Within the framework of project, the border post staff were trained in border control and management.

The opening ceremony was attended by the US Ambassador in Tajikistan, the Deputy Border Commander, and the UNODC Programme Office representatives. The Deputy Border Commander, Mr. Jafarzoda, briefed participants on the current situation along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, mentioning  that security threats are a concern not only for Tajikistan, but for the region at large, while also stressing the importance of the continuous support provided by the international community through the reconstruction of border posts as well as strengthening the capacity of the border guards. The US Ambassador, Ms. Susan Elliot, thanked the Tajik Border Forces for the partnership in addressing the security challenges posed by drug trafficking as well as terrorism and emphasized that these challenges require a joint response from the states of the region while stressing that the US government is ready to assist.