Helmand to release Kajaki Dam water to Nimroz farms

Monitoring Desk

LASHKARGAH: After repeated demands from the people of Nimroz province, officials in southern Helmand province have agreed to releasing water from the Kajaki Dam to the southwestern province for six days.

Helmand officials made the decision after Pajhwok Afghan News published reports regarding the acute shortage of irrigation and drinking water in Nimroz.

However, civil society activists in Helmand rejected the decision and said the water to be released from the dam would first flow to Iran and then return to Nimroz.

Helmand deputy governor Mujahidullah Safari told reporters in Lashkargah that the residents and officials of Nimroz had requested the release of Kajaki Dam’s water to Nimroz for six days.

“Though there is water shortage in the Kajaki, but we decided so at the request of Nimroz official, elders, provincial council members and residents.”

Safari said the residents of Nimroz were suffering from drinking water scarcity and therefore they decided to release all water to Nimroz for six days.

But Helmand Civil Society head Nazar Mohammad rejected Safari’s decision and said Helmand water was released to Iran in the name of Nimroz.

“We have no problems with Nirmoz but officials release water to Iran under the pretext of Nimroz and it is a huge mistake,” he said.

Another Civil Society activist Abdul Haq Zwakman said Helmand water should not go to Iran.

Najibullah Jowaini, general director for Helamnd water management, said according to rules a 20 percent of Helmand River water should be given to Nimroz.

He said the residents of Nimroz demanded six days release of water from Kajaki Dam to compensate their 20 percent share. He said Helmand officials for the first time accepted the demand of Nimroz people.

“Nimroz has no dam to store water but this water cannot reach Iran and but will absorb in the province.”