January 13, 2011. - Inauguration of a gasification project within the UNPD “Area Based Development” Programme took place in “Khoja aul” community of “Kizil kala” village located in Beruniy district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

“Khoja aul” community, with population of 319 people, was formed back in 1947 and is one of the remote rural communities, located 45 km away from the district center. Though it has been more than 60 years since the formation of the community, there is still no access to natural gas. Therefore, the local population has to use wood for heating their houses and cooking meal.

Kailkhan Beketaeva, a landlady, shared her opinion to representatives of district Khakimiyat and Project: “Every year each family spends about 800 thousand to 1 mln soums for wood – this is quite expensive for us. However, thanks to the gasification, now we have access to natural gas, currently used for cooking only. In the nearest future, we hope to change our old type heaters on the wood and coal basis, to a gas heating system. The main thing is we get a chance to save our money and time”. To date, 40 households are connected to the gas pipeline.

However, it is not only a matter of money and time, but also environment. Due to continuous use of woods as fuel, trees and bushes in the suburbs of the community considerably reduced and in some places even disappeared completely. As a result, community people had to deliver wood from the forest, a few kilometers away - the process, requiring additional transportation expenses. Moreover, deforestation caused other negative consequences: soil and environment degradation, lost of biodiversity and sources of oxygen, as well as further aggravation of climate changes.

“Before the launching of the gasification project, ABD Programme specialists conducted meetings to identify community resources. We did not even imagine we could install gas pipes on our own. The project provided funds for procurement of 1500 m of steel gas pipes only. During the implementation process, local people purchased additional 5874 m of pipes and 5 gas control points (GRP). All households installed gas meters. Considerably, the gasification project contributes to ceasing deforestation in the community and neighboring areas" , - Eshkabil Narmanov, Leader of Community Initiative Group.

It is difficult to imagine success of the project without “Khoja aul” community efforts. The total amount of the project is more than 59,5 mln soums, including 63% of community input. Evidently, “Khoja aul” community benefited from the gasification project in two ways: first, inhabitants have a chance to improve their social living standards thanks to saving resources and, second, it allows conservation of existing natural and forestry resources in Beruniy district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.