Afghanistan Launches 178 Water Resource Management Projects Nationwide
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Energy and Water has announced the launch of 178 water resource management projects across the country for the 1404 solar fiscal year. These initiatives span various sectors, including the construction and completion of major and minor dams, intakes, check dams, irrigation canals, and dam maintenance programs.
According to Matiullah Ayed, spokesperson for the ministry, 46 projects are currently underway, while 132 others are in their initial stages. The ministry estimates that upon completion, these projects will bring approximately 393,000 jiribs (about 78,600 hectares) of land under irrigation, generate 162 megawatts of hydroelectric power, and directly or indirectly benefit more than 5.5 million people.
Several economic experts have welcomed the move, calling it a step toward agricultural development and energy self-sufficiency in the country. They argue that with Afghanistan’s abundant water resources, proper management could drive economic growth and job creation.
Amanullah Ghalib, former head of the national electricity company Breshna, told media that for these projects to succeed, proper infrastructure such as roads, land access, and investment incentives like favorable tariffs must be in place. Another economic analyst, Abdul Zahoor Modabber, emphasized that strategic water resource management is essential not only for electricity production but also for advancing agricultural mechanization, ultimately steering the country toward economic self-reliance.
The Ministry of Energy and Water stated that these projects are part of its annual operational plans, aimed at enhancing energy independence, ensuring sustainable water management, and promoting agricultural sector growth in Afghanistan.
