Poverty, unemployment increase due to Covid-19 in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Officials of the Economy Department in northern Balkh province confirm that unemployment has increased in the province due to quarantine measures to curb Covid-19 spread.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Eng. Janat Gul Sharafat, Balkh Economy Director, said they had launched a number of programs to improve economic situation of the people.

In addition to harming the health sector, the pandemic also severely affected the economy of people, he said, adding that before the spread of the third wave they resorted to a number of ways to reduce the effects of the disease.

The official said since the beginning of the first wave, various projects had been implemented in the province at a cost of 800 million afghanis to combat the effects of the virus.

He said the projects included public awareness about Covid-19, distribution of kits and cash assistance to affected people as well as distribution of food to needy families.

He added the aid was not enough to cover the damage caused by the virus, but it helped alleviate some of the problems.

According to the official, they also helped farmers secure their produce during the period, as well as helping the people through the National Food Package Program.

Sharafat said a survey conducted by them this year to assess the economic situation of people in Balkh showed that poverty and unemployment were higher than ever before. Unemployment and poverty had risen sharply in the third wave, he added.

“If the situation continues like this; most people would affect but we are striving to reduce the existing threats by implementing plans”.

Sarafat called on people to strictly follow medical guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

He also said the ongoing insecurity and war in the province had increased the poverty and unemployment.

Sharafat added the insecurity and war were major barriers to private sector investment.

He assured people that job creation, poverty alleviation and economic growth were among the government’s priorities.

Sa/ma

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