Afghanistan seeks ADB support for key water and energy projects

Acting Minister of Water and Energy Abdul Latif Mansoor met with David Hill, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Country Director for Afghanistan, to discuss strengthening cooperation on critical water and energy initiatives in the country.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Minister Mujib ur Rahman Omar Akhundzada, ministry advisor Dr. Farooq Azam, and senior officials, focused on reviving stalled ADB-funded projects and addressing Afghanistan’s pressing water and energy challenges.  

Minister Mansoor highlighted the worsening water shortages in Kabul and Kandahar, urging ADB’s assistance for major infrastructure projects, including the Kabul-Panjshir water transfer scheme, the Shah Tut-Lalandar reservoir dam, and the expansion of Kandahar’s Dahla Dam. He also emphasized the need for support in energy sector development to bolster Afghanistan’s economic stability. In response, Hill reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to resuming collaboration with the ministry and backing vital water and energy programs.  

Among the key projects discussed, the Kabul-Panjshir water transfer aims to alleviate Kabul’s chronic water scarcity by channeling water from the Panjshir River through tunnels and canals. While critical for drinking water and agriculture, the project faces financial, and technical hurdles. Meanwhile, the Shah Tut Dam, funded by India, is designed to store 146 million cubic meters of water to supply Kabul and enhance irrigation but has faced delays due to political instability. In Kandahar, the aging Dahla Dam, a lifeline for local farming, has undergone multiple upgrades, with further expansions planned to secure water for the drought-prone region.  

The discussions underscore Afghanistan’s push to advance infrastructure development amid economic and environmental pressures. With ADB’s renewed engagement, the government hopes to accelerate progress on these projects, which are vital for water security, agriculture, and long-term stability.

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