Paktia: 2 check dams worth 9.15m afs put into service

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Two check dams costing 9.15 million afghanis have been inaugurated in southeastern Paktia province.

The projects had been implemented in the Tera area of Gardez, Governor Mohammad Halim Fidaee said at the inaugural ceremony.

The harnessing, management and judicious use of water were one of the fundamental goals of the Afghan government, he said.

Fidaee told Pajhwok Afghan News work on the Machalgho dam would be stepped up this year and work on a Naray Kholay power dam would begin.

He added: “The main goal is to become sefl-sufficient by seizing the opportunities available. Most of Paktia residents depend on agriculture and livestock. The development and modernisation of this important sector is necessary.”

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Director Mohammaduddin Momand said the two check dams were built in a year and would prevent wastage of snow and rainwater.

Mohmand said the dams, built by the National Water Management Authority (NWMA), had the capacity to irrigate 160 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 800 families.

"Unfortunately, we are still losing a lot of water, snow and rain in a short period of time. It is very important to control and use this water," he said.

Sakhi Jan Wafayar, a member of the provincial council, said the implementation of the projects was beneficial, but their cost was high.

Zar Wali Khan, a resident of the area, told Pajhwok water was abundantly available in the area. But the precious resource was being wasted and farmlands were being destroyed, he regretted.

sa/mud