Amazed over Ashgabat’s rapid growth

ASHGABAT: It’s not wrong to say that the new Ashgabat (new town) rose from the ground in no time. Seven years to be exact – although of course, it is still growing.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak himself was blown over by the rapid development the city is undergoing.

The Prime Minister first visited the Turkmenistan capital three years ago, and when he touched down in the city again on Monday, he was amazed at the changes that had taken place since then.

With a whopping US$70bil (RM225bil) set aside for the country’s five-year economic plan (2012-2017), the Turkmenistan government is almost midway into the plan aimed at upgrading its economy, education and, of course, infrastructure.

With the limitless opportunities, it is no wonder that Najib is keen on having more Malaysian companies on board. Turkmenistan, after all, is also looking for partnership to expand and build its cities even further.

In Ashgabat, which exited the Soviet Union in 1991, the people are proud that their city is growing more beautiful by the month and marvel at the dream that one day, their own capital will rival that of the super-modern and glamorous Dubai, the other city in the desert.

After all, the capital has been chosen to host the 2017 Asian Indoor Games and Martial Arts, the first in Central Asia accorded the honour.

The city is also undoubtedly appealing for one of its unwritten rules – no smoking in all public places, even outdoors, except for certain areas mostly known only to locals. This rule is mainly for health reasons and to deter smokers from bothering non-smokers.

Another uncommon feature is the cameras, which are mounted almost everywhere in the city centre, outside and in some buildings, although an official noted that this is for the people’s own good and have in fact brought down the crime rate.

Still, some prefer the old Ashgabat, with its retro white rectangular buildings and big trees lining its streets shading the people and buildings from the desert heat which can peak at 49°C these days. They also say this part of town has more ­character and depth.

But like many other capital racing to be the most modern, it is understandable that its government has plans to continue building Ashgabat, which sits between the Kara Kum desert and Kopet Dag mountains, till the buildings touch the mountains, which is many kilometres away.

So, there is lots to build. And it’s a real desert out there.