World Bank not interested in unfinished Afghan projects: Ministry

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MoRRD) says hundreds of development projects have been implemented across various provinces during the past one year.

Speaking during an ongoing series of briefings on the annual achievements of government institutions on Thursday, ministry officials stated that despite repeated requests, the World Bank showed no interest in completing its unfinished projects in Afghanistan.

Mullah Mohammad Younus Akhund, Acting Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, told reporters at the Government Media and Information Center that they had held four meetings with World Bank representatives to discuss the incomplete projects and the unpaid salaries of former project employees.

He noted that two of the meetings were held in person and two virtually. During these meetings, they informed the World Bank that thousands of its projects remain unfinished across Afghanistan.

According to Akhund, World Bank representatives made it clear they were not interested in completing these projects and said the Islamic Emirate should use its own budget to finish them.

He added: “They [the World Bank] clearly told me regarding the employees who worked with them before the takeover, and the projects for which we are financially liable—whether it’s 10,000 or 20,000—we will pay their dues and salaries. Our representative is currently in talks with the Ministry of Finance to develop a payment mechanism. However, for the unfinished projects, we are not willing to proceed. If the Islamic Emirate wants to complete them using its own budget, they may do so; otherwise, we are not prepared to continue those projects.”

He further said: “Many years have passed since these projects began. If we are to complete them now, we would need to start from scratch.”

In addition, ministry officials reported that hundreds of projects were implemented over the past year, with several others currently underway.

Maulvi Mirza Mohammad Shakeeb, Chief of Staff of the Ministry, said that more than 842 clean drinking water supply projects were completed last year, and 559 more are currently being implemented.

He also stated that 737 irrigation projects—including the construction of canals, cleaning of underground water channels (kariz), building of retaining walls, and check dams—are in progress.

Shakeeb highlighted that the first phase of the major Wakhan Corridor project, which includes the rehabilitation of 49 kilometers of road, has been completed. Only a few associated buildings are still under construction and are expected to be finished soon.

He added that the second phase of the Wakhan Corridor project is advancing rapidly.

According to Shakeeb, thousands of Afghan citizens have been provided with employment opportunities during the implementation of these projects.

sa/ma