Small Dam Constructed in Spin Boldak to Combat Drought
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced the construction of a small dam in the village of Anzarji, Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, with the capacity to support groundwater for approximately 700 to 800 villages. The dam aims to control seasonal water flows and strengthen water resources in one of the driest areas of southern Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, 7th Sawr, UNDP reported that the project was funded by the Japanese Embassy in Kabul. According to the UNDP, this dam can store water from seasonal floods, prevent destructive flows, and replenish groundwater in downstream areas.
The report states that in recent years, the dry plains of Spin Boldak have experienced reduced rainfall and declining groundwater levels, leading to dried wells, non-functional water systems, and the loss of wheat crops before harvest. This situation has created serious challenges for the livelihoods of local residents, who mostly rely on agriculture.
According to the report, Kandahar province has been particularly affected by consecutive droughts and decreasing water resources, with rural communities facing economic hardships. UNDP added that after the completion of the Anzarji dam, local residents have reported a noticeable increase in groundwater levels.
Southern Afghanistan has been one of the regions most affected by climate change and reduced rainfall in recent years, highlighting the need for sustainable investments in water resource management.
