The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Shah Wa Arus Dam, December 31, 2024, in Shakardara District of Kabul Province.
The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs, the Deputy PM for Political Affairs, several cabinet members, representatives of the private sector, and local residents.
During the event, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar highlighted the significance of water resources, stating that water is now a critical economic factor in global politics and relations. In some countries, its value surpasses that of oil and precious minerals.
However, he pointed out that due to the wars imposed on Afghanistan and various domestic and external factors, the country has not made sufficient investments in managing this crucial economic resource. Consequently, seasonal rains and climate change have caused frequent flooding, resulting in significant loss of life and property for many Afghans.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized that the Islamic Emirate recognizes the importance and necessity of water management. Accordingly, it has focused seriously on managing this critical economic resource. As part of these efforts, the remaining work on the Shah Wa Arus Dam in Shakardara District has been completed, and the project has now been inaugurated to provide clean drinking water and irrigation water for agricultural needs.
He further explained that the completion of the dam will supply water for irrigating agricultural lands, contribute to electricity production, and significantly support individual livelihoods and the national economy.
He concluded by congratulating all Afghans on this major national project and urged them to take collective responsibility in protecting and maintaining this and other similar initiatives in cooperation with the Islamic Emirate.
It is worth mentioning that the Shah Wa Arus Dam has a height of 78 meters, a storage capacity of 9.4 million cubic meters of water, and will irrigate approximately 3,500 hectares of land. Additionally, it will produce 1.2 megawatts of electricity.