Khost family constructs check dam at own cost

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Using their own money, a family in Khost city, the capital of southeastern Khost province, has constructed a check dam at a cost of six million afghanis.

The dam is situated in Miakhel area of the provincial capital and has the capacity to store 100,000 cubic meter of water.

The family says the dam will irrigate hundreds of acres of land and rear nearly 200,000 fishes.

Saleh Jan, a member of this family, told Pajhwok Afghan News: "About 200 acres of land is irrigated from this dam. We have planted 6,000 fruit trees next to it and 50 workers have been working in it.”

Meanwhile, Sekhi, an inhabitant of the area, said the underground water level has also increased following the construction of the dam in addition to growth of agriculture sector.

He believed if such dams were built in other areas of Khost province, it will be very effective in water management.

On the other hand, local officials also consider people’s participation in water management as important.

Abdul Qayoum, director of north Khost sub-basin, said: “We have proposed to the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) to construct check dams in the province.”

He emphasized that people should also cooperate with the government in water management.

He added eight check dams had been executed in the province this year and work was ongoing on five others and would be put into service soon.

kk/ma