Roghun

As you've read here, and perhaps in the Financial Times or NY Times, Tajikistan has energy problems. The current administration is addressing those problems by building a huge dam. They plan to finish a partially constructed dam over the course of several years. The Roghun (pronounced Roh-ghoon, with the 'gh' like a gargling sound from the back of your throat) hydroelectric power plant was started back in the 80's under the USSR, but then scrapped when the empire collapsed. When it's finished, it will be the highest dam in the world, about 1000 ft, and will supply enough electricity for all of Tajikistan.

The thing is, the Tajik gov't hasn't been able to raise the money from external sources, so each citizen is being asked to buy a 'share' in the plant. The president has reiterated that this is a voluntary contribution to the future of Tajikistan. Here is a poster, one of many around Dushanbe and the entire country, encouraging Tajiks to buy shares. It reads: "Roghun, beaming and bright, warmth of the nation and the development of our dear and incomparable Tajikistan"

Another one, across the street from our apt, reads: "Roghun, the beaming light and foundation of Tajikistan". Hopefully, Roghun will be finished on time (2014-2016 for the first phases) and supply Tajiks with enough power for everyone to be warm all winter.