On August 19, 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, inaugurated the commencement of the Palatuni Dam construction in Paktika province. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Water and Energy, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, local scholars, businessmen, and several government officials.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the Islamic Emirate understands that agriculture is crucial for a strong economy, and water is the most essential element for agricultural development. To achieve this goal, the Islamic Emirate has prioritized water management and called on investors to invest in this sector.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund added that the Islamic Emirate is determined to manage natural resources, alongside other sectors, for the country’s self-sufficiency and socio-economic development. He mentioned that opportunities have been created for both domestic and foreign investors to invest in this area.
He further stated that the Islamic Emirate has assessed large and medium-sized dams across the country that were either incomplete or had not yet begun. Comprehensive work plans have been developed to complete these projects, and the practical work on many dams has already commenced. One such project is the Palatuni Dam, whose construction work has now officially begun.
During his remarks, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Paktika for the re-establishment of the Islamic system. He stressed that it is now the responsibility of the government to address their issues and complete projects in the province that can alleviate their economic challenges to some extent. He assured that the available resources would be utilized for the completion of the Palatuni Dam and urged the contracting company to carry out the assigned tasks with dedication and integrity.
Deputy PM stated that this project, supported financially by the Islamic Emirate and implemented by the National Development Corporation, is expected to be completed in two and a half years. Upon completion, it will strengthen the groundwater reserves of nearby areas, irrigate agricultural lands, control floods, and play a vital role in environmental preservation.
The construction of the Palatuni Dam will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for hundreds of citizens, store approximately 25 million cubic meters of water, irrigate 2,500 hectares of land, and generate 935 kilowatts of electricity.