A/HRC/42/47/Add.6 Government will ensure that those who cannot afford water and sanitation tariffs pay less, or those who have special needs will have their access to water and sanitation protected. 45. The Special Rapporteur views the Government’s plan to develop a new methodology for the tariff system to achieve full-cost recovery as one of the necessary steps for ensuring the sustainability of water and sanitation services. However, the other important side of the coin is to ensure the affordability of these services for everyone. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to develop a new tariff system that balances economic sustainability and affordability of water and sanitation services. He also reiterates the need to adopt safeguard mechanisms. To start with, he encourages the Government to carry out a household survey on ability to pay tariffs, so as to generate the necessary data that can form the basis of a balanced and fair tariff system. RECOMMENDATION 9 – LIMITED PROGRESS: Whilst the Special Rapporteur acknowledges the Government’s plans to develop a new tariff methodology, he observes that little evidence can be seen regarding how this will assist in balancing affordability between those on lower-incomes and those on higher-incomes, and in ensuring sustainability in this context. Accordingly, the Special Rapporteur restates his recommendation and encourages the Government to make better progress on the recommendation. RECOMMENDATION 10 – PROGRESS NOT STARTED: The Special Rapporteur is disheartened to not see any efforts made by the Government to protect access to water and sanitation for people on low-incomes and with special needs. He reminds the Government that under international human rights law they are obliged to give special consideration to groups in vulnerable situations – a sentiment shared by the SDGs. The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government of Tajikistan to devise and initiate policies aimed specifically at groups in vulnerable situations in order to better respect, protect and fulfil their water and sanitation rights. D. Recommendation on rehabilitating and maintaining services RECOMMENDATION 11: “Invest in rehabilitation and reconstruction of old infrastructure, as well as in the maintenance and operation of new and existing services, in order to avoid deterioration in the services currently provided. The Government should seek international assistance with clear plans.” (A/HRC/33/49/Add.2, para. 59(h)) 46. Tajikistan’s water and sanitation infrastructure has significantly deteriorated due to a lack of investment. This has led to existing services failing or falling out of use, which, clearly, has a detrimental impact on the enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation for those who rely upon this infrastructure to satisfy their needs (A/HRC/33/49/Add.2, paras. 4 and 22). According to a review by the UNECE, in 2017, “[s]ince 2010, no major sewerage systems or [wastewater treatment plants] have been constructed, planned or rehabilitated.” 16 This is even despite the fact that Tajikistan’s development partners make contributions of around US$300 million in support of water sector reform in the State, including the implementation and rehabilitation/renovating of drinking water infrastructure.17 47. In response to this recommendation, the Government stated that in the period between 2008 and 2017, more than 1.4 billion somoni was allocated for the construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of drinking water and sanitation systems, and more than 1 16 17 12 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), “Tajikistan: Environmental Performance Review (Third Review)”, 2017 https://www.uncclearn.org/sites/default/files/inventory/ece.cep_.180.engt_.pdf. Development Coordination Council, “Joint DCC Initiative: Rural Water Supply”, 30 June 2017, consulted 2 February 2018 http://www.untj.org/dcc/files/files/1__Final_Rural_Water_Supply_and_Sanitation_initiative_v_30_0 6_17.doc.