Tajikistan president Emomali Rahmon has officially launched construction of the Rogun dam, which once complete will be the world’s highest stone-earthen dam, the government said.

Tajikistan president Emomali Rahmon has officially launched construction of the Rogun dam, which once complete will be the world’s highest stone-earthen dam, the government said.

The dam – designed with a height of 335m – is part of the 3600MW Rogun hydroelectric project, which will become the largest hydroelectric project in the region upon completion.

In the launch ceremony at the weekend, President Rahmon was accompanied by Government officials, deputies of the Majlisi namoyandagon and members of Majlisi milli, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tajikistan, intelligentsia, and a group of youth of the country.

Completion of the Rogun hydropower project will allow Tajikistan to become an exporter of electricity, the government said it a statement. The first unit at the plant is expected to be launched at the end of 2018 with the second unit in April 2019.

Back in July, Salini Impregilo signed a $3.9 billion framework agreement to build the project.