Paranda power plant inaugurated in Panjsher

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Paranda Power Plant was inaugurated on Thursday in central Panjshir province. The plant, with a capacity of four megawatts, is expected to significantly alleviate electricity shortages for local residents.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, said at the inauguration that Afghanistan has abundant resources for electricity generation, from the rivers of Kunar to the sunny plains of Helmand and Farah, and from the strong winds of Herat and Nimroz to other regions.

He added that achieving self-sufficiency in electricity is a top priority for the Islamic Emirate and that fundamental efforts are underway to reach this goal.

Mullah Baradar noted that with electricity self-sufficiency, Afghanistan could export high-quality goods rather than importing low-quality products, while also attracting investment to the country.

He urged businessmen and investors to invest in Afghanistan’s industrial sector, particularly in electricity production, and assured that the Islamic Emirate would provide all necessary support and facilities.

The Paranda Power Plant’s four-megawatt output is expected to largely resolve the electricity problems faced by Panjshir residents.

Officials say that construction of the Paranda Dam began in 2013, but the previous government was unable to complete it. The IEA later finished the project using domestic resources. According to officials, the project cost nearly $8 million.

sa