Work on Pashdan Dam has resumed, says project head

KABUL (Tolo news): After a nearly two-year halt, the initial work on Pashdan Dam of Herat province has begun; however, the full construction of the dam is waiting for the order of the government.

The dam is located in Karokh district, 25 kilometers to the northwest of Herat City.

The reason for stopping the construction was said to be a lack of budget.

“We have made all preparations. Our foreign and national engineers are in the area. We are waiting for the instruction of the Islamic Emirate officials,” said Nematullah Hakimi, head of the project.

Meanwhile, the residents of Herat urged the government to resume work on the Pashdan Dam.

“Herat is currently not in good condition due to low water. The underground water is decreasing. This dam can be very effective for storing water for farmers,” said Abdul Hadi Qani, a resident of Herat.

Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) said that it has been considering resuming work on 11 unfinished projects.

“We ensure our beloved nation, particularly our people in Herat, that the Pashdan dam is included in the 1402 fiscal budget and we hope there will be no change during its approval,” said Nisar Ahmad Elyas, a spokesman for the Herat governor.

According to officials, the construction of Pashdan Dam is 85 percent complete and with the resumption construction, the project will be completed within five months.

“In addition to producing 2 megawatts of power, it will irrigate the area. There could be good entertaining areas constructed,” said Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, head of the expert council.

It is reported that the dam was damaged due to consecutive floods over the past several years.