$20m for Paktia dam approved

Monitoring Desk

GARDEZ: Official in southeastern Paktia province say a power dam would be constructed at a cost of $20 million in Ahmadkhel district.

Governor Shamim Khan Katawazai said during a visit to the district about $20 million had been allocated for Narai Khwlai power dam.

Katawazaid added the dam would irrigate most of farmlands besides supplying electricity to many households in the district near the Pakistan border.

“Already approved by President Ashraf Ghani, work on the dam will begin in the new solar year. It will take three years to complete,” the governor added.

Residents of the area, meanwhile, expressed pleasure over the project, promising cooperation with the government and other relevant organs.

Jamal, an inhabitant of Ahmadkhel, hoped the agriculture would see a major boost with the implementation of the scheme, which would also positively impact people’s lives.

“We were immensely pleased receiving news that funds have been approved and work on the dam will start after winter. Electricity is a great blessing of Allah. We hope for a better future.”

Paktia police chief Brig. Gen. Gul Agha Rohhani told Pajhwok Afghan News strict security measures would be taken in coordination with other agencies for the project’s project.

Three months back, President Ghani promised constructing the facility in addition to Machalgho dam.

However, Energy and Water Minister Ali Ahmad Usmani, who signed the contract for Machalgho dam with a Russian company, said the project would be completed in three year at a cost of $23 million.