The Ministry of Energy and Water has announced the completion of three major dam projects in Afghanistan, with five more currently under development. Matiullah Abid, spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted the significant progress made in the country’s water infrastructure, which aims to improve irrigation and energy production.
Among the completed projects, the Shah Aros Dam stands out with a capacity to irrigate 2,700 hectares of land and generate 1.2 megawatts of electricity. This $250 million dam has been fully operational, marking a significant achievement for Afghanistan’s water management efforts. Other completed dams include the Omari Dam, which irrigates 560 hectares and generates 6 kilowatts of electricity, and the Kamal Khan Dam, a crucial addition to Afghanistan’s water resources.
Abid also provided updates on ongoing projects, noting that the Pashdan Dam in Herat is 95% complete, while the Peltoni Dam in Paktia has made 20% progress. The Pashdan Dam is expected to irrigate 13,000 jeribs of land and produce two megawatts of electricity, costing an estimated $117 million. The Omari Dam and Paltuni Dam are also expected to significantly boost irrigation and electricity generation capacity across the country.
Experts have emphasized the importance of these projects in addressing Afghanistan’s energy and water challenges. Economic expert Hasibullah Safi stressed that dam construction plays a key role in reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on imported electricity and creating job opportunities. Similarly, Abdul Naseer Reshtia called for a more conducive environment for foreign investment in the energy sector, highlighting its critical role in economic growth.
The recent developments come amid growing calls for sustainable water management, particularly from the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs at the International Water Conference in Kabul, who noted that efficient water resource management is becoming increasingly crucial due to global water scarcity.
These infrastructure projects represent a significant step toward improving Afghanistan’s water security and energy independence, which is expected to have long-term positive impacts on the country’s agriculture and economy.
