Turkmen President Pledges Free Utilities, Salt Until 2030
October 25, 2006
October 25, 2006 -- Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov today promised that his countrymen would continue receiving free gas, electricity, water, and salt until 2030.
Niyazov made the pledge at the opening of the 17th session of the 2,600-member Halk Maslahaty, or People's Council, Turkmenistan's supreme legislative body.
Turkmen citizens have been granted free access to utilities since 1992, but shortages are reported to be frequent.
(Interfax)