KABUL: Construction work on the first phase of Nahr-e-Saraj Canal, worth 275.8 million Afghanis (some 3.9 million U.S dollars), has been kicked off by the acting Minister of Water and Energy Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, in the Sangin district of Helmand province, the Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by acting Minister of Water and Energy, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, Helmand Governor Mawlavi Abdul Rahman Muslim Kundozi, Deputy of the National Development Company Mawlavi Abdul Wali Adel, religious scholars, tribal elders, technical officials, and a large number of residents, the statement said.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Mansoor highlighted the significance of the project in ensuring water availability and revitalizing agriculture in the province, noting that the canal’s irrigation capacity will be restored to its original level, guaranteeing water rights for all stakeholders and farmers relying on the canal.
“In addition to this project, three other small dam (check dam) projects are planned in the province, with work expected to commence soon,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The project has been contracted with the National Development Corporation and will be completed within two years.
According to the statement, funded by the Islamic Emirate, the project includes the construction of a 200-meter diversion weir and intake structure, 650 meters of canal rehabilitation and fortification, bed protection works, control gate installation, and construction of guard quarters.
With the completion, the Nahr-e-Saraj Canal will irrigate an estimated 24,000 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting farmers in three districts of the province, the statement concluded.
Construction of 1st phase of Nahr-e-Saraj Canal begins in Helmand, ministry
