SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Construction has begun on a 5.25 million-afghani water supply network in a returnee township serving Qosh Tepa and Darzab districts of northern Jawzjan province.
Once completed, the project will provide safe drinking water to 1,600 families.
Rural Rehabilitation and Development Director Mawlawi Asadullah Hamza said the project was being implemented under the direction of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to help meet the basic needs of returning migrants.
He said construction of the house-to-house water supply network in the returnee township on the Qosh Tepa-Darzab road began today (Tuesday).
The project is being funded by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MoRRD) at a cost of 5,254,146 afghanis.
Hamza added the network would extend 2,250 metres and, once completed, would provide safe drinking water to 1,600 families living in the township.
Meanwhile, Eng. Haji Mohammad Ahmadzai, representative of the implementing company, said the project included drilling a 110-metre-deep well equipped with a solar-powered system, constructing a perimeter wall, building two water reservoirs, each with a capacity of 20 cubic metres, and installing both public and house-to-house water distribution pipelines.
He said the project was expected to be completed and handed over within three months.
Director of Refugees and Repatriation Damla Amanullah Talha said measures had been taken to address returnees’ needs, including housing, food distribution, cash assistance, access to safe drinking water, employment and vocational training.
Urban Development and Housing Director Mawlawi Abdullah Faizan said three townships had been designated in the province to accommodate around 10,000 families.
He said 720 residential plots had so far been distributed in the townships and allocation of the remaining plots was continuing.
A number of local residents also welcomed the launch of the project, describing it as an important step towards meeting one of the returnees’ basic needs and expressing appreciation to the government and relevant authorities for implementing it.
hz/kk
