Central Asia's week that was #23

Electricity shortages in Tajikistan, organised crime in Kazakhstan, poverty-reduction in Uzbekistan. Also, new cotton varieties, tigers, and e-bikes.

So this happened…

A newly refurbished hydropower facility put into commission in northern Tajikistan earlier this month.

• Tajikistan imposed electricity rationing over concern at low water levels at its hydropower plants. Hydroelectricity accounts for 90 percent of the country’s power needs. Rural areas are now being supplied with around eight to 10 hours …