Abdul Latif Mansoor, Afghanistan's acting Minister of Energy and Water, announced that projects previously funded by foreign entities under the former government are now being financed and implemented through domestic resources, TOLO News reports. Mansoor emphasized the interim government's efforts to manage the country's water supply and construct the Qosh Tepa Canal, ensuring that Afghanistan's use of its water resources does not harm any other country.
The acting Minister stated that if any country has concerns regarding Afghanistan's water management and the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, they can resolve the issue through dialogue with the officials of the Islamic Emirate.
He said, "We have told the concerned countries that there is no need for worry. The water is ours, and the canal is being built on our land for the benefit of Afghans. We have not and will not harm anyone."
Abdul Latif Mansoor addressed Iran's water rights from the Helmand River, explaining that recent droughts have affected the residents of Helmand and Nimroz provinces, leading to Afghanistan's inability to fulfil Iran's water rights. However, with increased rainfall and water levels in the Helmand River, Afghanistan has released water towards Iran. He stated, "This year, with the rainfall and floods, the water needs of the people in Nimroz and Helmand provinces were met. The excess water, which could not be contained in the dam, flowed towards Iran, fulfilling their water rights."
The acting minister detailed the Islamic Emirate's initiatives to address the water crisis and generate energy in the country. These include the construction of dams, and energy production projects, such as the Gambiri Dam in Kunar province, Kamal Khan Dam, and Tori Dam, projects to generate 250MW of electricity from wind, coal, and solar sources, and a project to produce 300MW of electricity from gas.
Mansoor added, "Undoubtedly, resources are limited because, in the past, foreigners funded some projects. They are no longer here to continue the work. Therefore, we are moving forward according to the Islamic Emirate's budget. We will use any development budget allocated to us."
The acting Minister identified the population increase in Kabul as a primary cause of water shortages in the capital. He stated that efforts are underway to secure water for Kabul residents through projects like the Shah wa Aros Dam, and Shah Tut Dam, and transferring water from the Panjshir River.
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