Introduction
Dams store water and contribute to agricultural development and the advancement of civilization. Currently, many people engaged in farming and livestock activities are migrating from rural areas to cities due to insufficient water and other facilities for cultivation in rural regions. If dams are constructed and water is stored, it will undoubtedly create opportunities for agricultural development. Afghanistan is one of the countries where a significant portion of the population is involved in farming, deriving their income and sustaining their livelihoods through agriculture. The need for constructing dams in Afghanistan is particularly urgent for several reasons: first, Afghanistan has vast arable land suitable for agriculture, but more than half of this cultivable land remains unused. Second, despite having abundant water resources, only about 20% of the electricity generated in Afghanistan is produced domestically, and the rest is imported from neighboring countries. Third, constructing dams and managing water resources can help mitigate natural disasters. Every year, floods occur in various parts of Afghanistan, causing financial and human losses and destroying agricultural fields. By building dams, the impact of these natural calamities can be significantly reduced.
Recognizing these factors, the Islamic Emirate decided to take substantial steps toward water management by constructing dams. One of these dams is the Shah Wa Arus Dam, which was inaugurated on Dec 31, 2024.
The Inauguration of Shah Wa Arus Dam
Every country strives to manage its water resources in ways that allow for benefits in electricity generation, agriculture, and drinking water supply. Afghanistan, too, has abundant freshwater resources, but past governments did not prioritize their management. The Islamic Emirate has accelerated its efforts in water management and initiated the construction and rehabilitation of dams across various regions of the country. One of these dams is the Shah Wa Arus Dam.
Located in Shakar Dara District of Kabul Province, the Shah Wa Arus Dam project was initially contracted to a foreign company. However, work on the dam was halted during the recent political transitions in Afghanistan and the preceding COVID-19 pandemic. After the Islamic Emirate assumed power, officials from the Ministry of Water and Energy visited Shakardara District to assess the dam’s progress and value. Based on their findings, a decision was made to complete the remaining work.
The Economic Commission mandated Da Afghanistan Bank to release the outstanding payments to the contractor to ensure the continuation of the project. The contractor and the Ministry of Water and Energy were tasked with completing the dam without further delays. Following the commission’s directives, work on the Shah Wa Arus Dam resumed, and the project was successfully completed.
On December 31, 2024, the Shah Wa Arus Dam was inaugurated. During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, highlighted the significance of this project for Afghanistan’s water management. He emphasized that the completion of the dam reflects the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to professional and sustainable development. The Shah Wa Arus Dam is now operational and contributes to water supply, irrigation, and energy production. Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund noted that Afghanistan still requires substantial investment and work in water management. He affirmed the Islamic Emirate’s dedication to addressing these needs by developing necessary infrastructure for sustainable water usage. He further elaborated on the historical lack of investment in Afghanistan’s water infrastructure due to decades of internal and imposed conflicts. Consequently, seasonal rains and climate change often lead to devastating floods, causing loss of life, destruction of homes, and damage to farmlands and infrastructure. In contrast, other nations skillfully manage their water resources, turning them into assets that support agriculture, energy production, and economic growth.
The Economic Significance of the Shah Wa Arus Dam
Water is vital for the survival of human life and economic growth. It is essential to harness and utilize it effectively. One of the best methods for managing and controlling water resources—such as rivers, rainfall, snow, and floods—is through the construction of dams. Dams hold multifaceted importance for Afghanistan, with their economic significance standing out most prominently. Just as the economy serves as the lifeblood of a country, it drives cultural, security, and political improvements and fosters development. We understand that electricity is crucial to propelling economic activity, and constructing dams is key to generating it. Electricity is one of Afghanistan’s fundamental needs, yet its shortage has been a persistent issue for years. Currently, Afghanistan produces only 20% of its electricity needs domestically, importing the remainder from neighboring countries at the cost of billions of Afghanis annually. Additionally, dams can provide sufficient water for agricultural lands.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, half of Afghanistan’s arable land lies barren due to water scarcity. By building dams, not only will agricultural production increase, but job opportunities for rural populations will also expand, reducing migration from rural areas to cities and easing urban congestion. Increased agricultural output will also boost the country’s GDP. Beyond water and energy management, dam construction promotes economic growth and attracts investments. These projects create thousands of jobs, thereby lowering unemployment rates. Moreover, such initiatives encourage foreign investors to contribute to Afghanistan’s stable economic and infrastructural sectors. Climate change is a global reality that has impacted Afghanistan, increasing the frequency of droughts and floods. Dams are considered an optimal solution for water management in this context. They can prevent flooding and control water wastage. Through dams, Afghanistan can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Dams benefit not only central areas but also remote regions that often lack government services, fostering both economic and social development. Recognizing the importance of dams, the Islamic Emirate has initiated the construction of large, medium, and small dams across various provinces.
The Shah Wa Arus Dam is one such significant project with considerable economic value. This dam has the capacity to generate 1.2 megawatts of electricity, irrigate 3,500 hectares of agricultural land, provide 5 million cubic meters of drinking water annually for Kabul city, control seasonal floods, recharge springs, qanats, and underground water supplies, revitalize ecosystems, create job opportunities, and bring economic and cultural changes to the lives of residents in the Shakardara district.
Conclusion
To recharge surface and underground water reserves and prevent water wastage, it is essential to construct new dams and complete the unfinished work on previously initiated dam projects. This approach will not only promote agriculture and other sectors within the country but will also reduce reliance on imported electricity to some extent. Addressing electricity shortages will facilitate the growth of Afghanistan’s industrial sector, which, in turn, will stabilize the economy and accelerate the nation’s progress toward development. Recognizing the importance of water management, the Islamic Emirate has taken constructive steps in this regard. A prominent example is the completion of the remaining work on the Shah Wa Arus Dam. Once operational, this dam will generate electricity, irrigate 3,500 hectares of agricultural land, provide clean drinking water for the population, and recharge underground water resources.
These outcomes will significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth, enhancing self-reliance and sustainability.