Overview of Projects Initiated in 1403 SH

Authored by: Fazal Wali Sherani

Introduction

During the current year, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs has inaugurated 17 projects valued at approximately 60 billion Afghanis. These projects span across water management, electricity, infrastructure, and industry sectors, all pivotal for driving economic growth in the country. Recognizing the significance of water resources, Afghanistan's focus on efficient water management is paramount, given the irreplaceable nature of water. Since assuming power, the Islamic Emirate has embarked on tangible initiatives in water management, power generation, road construction, and industrial development, with a multitude of projects underway or completed.

Water Management

Afghanistan boasts abundant water resources, making their efficient utilization and management imperative. Recognizing this, the Islamic Emirate is actively engaged in water governance efforts across the nation. On April 28, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, inaugurated the final stages of the Pashdan Dam project in Herat province. This initiative underscores the Islamic Emirate's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and fostering social and economic development through prudent management of natural resources, particularly water.

Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized the necessity of completing ongoing dam projects, citing the Pashdan Dam as a prime example. Afghanistan's agricultural potential remains largely untapped, with only 5.324 million hectares of arable land currently under cultivation. Moreover, the construction of dams is crucial for mitigating natural disasters, such as annual floods that inflict significant economic and human losses.

In light of these considerations, the Islamic Emirate has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to enhance water management practices nationwide, aiming to address agricultural needs, promote environmental resilience, and safeguard communities from natural calamities.

Electricity Sector Advancements

Afghanistan possesses the capacity to harness approximately 223,000 megawatts of solar energy, yet its utilization remains limited. Recognizing the pivotal role of electricity in national development, the Islamic Emirate has embarked on initiatives to address the country's electricity challenges. On March 5, 2024, under the auspices of Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund, contracts worth approximately 4 billion Afghanis were signed between the Ministries of Finance, Water and Energy, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, and the private sector.

These agreements encompass four key projects aimed at enhancing electricity production and infrastructure. Among them are the development of a 23-megawatt solar power facility in Sarubi district, Kabul province, the construction of two substations in Herat province, and the expansion of 220-kilovolt power lines. Additionally, projects include the establishment of a commercial market in Kota E Sangi, Kabul city, and a mixed-use commercial and residential complex in Helmand.

Energy, particularly electricity, serves as a linchpin for economic progress. With Afghanistan blessed with abundant natural resources including water, oil, gas, coal, and solar energy, domestic electricity production assumes paramount importance. By prioritizing self-sufficiency in electricity generation, the Islamic Emirate aims to bolster the nation's economic resilience and foster sustainable growth.

Transportation

The transportation sector stands as a cornerstone of economic development, and recognizing its significance, the Islamic Emirate has embarked on ambitious initiatives to enhance road networks both within cities and across regions. On April 29, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund inaugurated the commencement of construction for the Herat-Ghor road, underscoring the pivotal role of transportation in driving economic growth.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund reiterated the government's commitment to prioritizing the transport sector, emphasizing its indispensable contribution to national development. Furthermore, on April 27, 2024, significant milestones were achieved with the inauguration of key road construction projects, including the second segment of the Khairkhana-Kotal road and various sections extending from Shahid Square to Qasaba and from the airport square to the customs office.

These comprehensive projects encompass the construction of bridges, streams, road-side green spaces, installation of essential utilities such as electricity, bus stops, and traffic signage, all vital components of a modern road infrastructure. The financial backing for these endeavors is provided by the Kabul Municipality.

The concerted efforts to revitalize road networks underscore the Islamic Emirate's commitment to addressing transportation challenges and alleviating urban congestion. Recognizing the paramount importance of a robust transportation sector in facilitating economic activities, the government remains steadfast in its endeavors to enhance and modernize transportation infrastructure. It is evident that until the transportation sector achieves optimal standards, the seamless flow of commerce and economic growth will remain constrained.

Industrial Sector

Since the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, considerable attention has been directed towards fortifying and advancing the industrial landscape, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering economic growth. Significant strides have been made in revitalizing this sector, with the activation of production factories across major urban centers, alongside the establishment of new manufacturing facilities.

A notable milestone occurred on March 24, 2024, with the inauguration of the second and third phases of the Milat Steel Milling Factory, representing an investment of 50 million Afghanis. Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the transformative impact of industrial development on the nation's economy. He urged industrialists and investors to channel resources into vital sectors, thereby contributing to the nation's progress and self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, on April 28, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund officiated the opening of two pharmaceutical factories and a non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing facility, marking a significant stride towards industrialization. These endeavors signify a crucial step forward in the country's journey towards industrial self-reliance.

Indeed, the development of the industrial sector is integral to a nation's advancement, as it lays the foundation for sustained economic growth and prosperity. The Islamic Emirate remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing a robust industrial ecosystem, recognizing that industrial development is synonymous with national progress and prosperity.

Infrastructure Development

Following the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, doubts loomed over the nation's ability to rebuild and achieve economic stability, given the backdrop of international sanctions and prevailing economic constraints. However, contrary to these expectations, the Islamic Emirate has demonstrated resilience by embarking on new projects and revitalizing incomplete endeavors.

On April 7, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund laid the foundation stone for the Nila Bagh Residential Project, marking a significant stride towards national development. Highlighting the project's commencement, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund underscored the Islamic Emirate's steadfast commitment to advancing construction projects alongside other critical infrastructure initiatives. Noteworthy examples include the ongoing development of the second part of the first phase of New Kabul City.

Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized the Islamic Emirate's dedication to fostering an environment conducive to both domestic and foreign investment in construction projects. Despite formidable challenges, the Islamic Emirate remains resolute in its pursuit of national reconstruction and economic revitalization, leveraging infrastructure development as a cornerstone of progress.

Conclusion

Afghanistan stands poised with abundant resources and opportunities for power generation, industrial development, infrastructure enhancement, transportation standardization, and effective water management. Despite possessing ample water resources and potential for power generation, decades of conflict and foreign intervention have hindered Afghanistan's ability to harness these assets for electricity production. As a result, the country continues to rely on imported electricity while its water resources remain underutilized for agricultural development, hampering economic progress.

Moreover, Afghanistan has yet to fully tap into solar energy, a renewable resource available in abundance. Additionally, sectors such as infrastructure, industry, and transportation hold immense potential to bolster the nation's economic stability. Recognizing the imperative of self-sufficiency across all sectors, the Islamic Emirate has been steadfastly dedicated to advancing these areas of development. The inauguration of the aforementioned projects underscores the Islamic Emirate's commitment to fostering progress and prosperity, aiming to fortify Afghanistan's economic resilience and pave the way for sustainable growth.