Election crisis: Kunduz mining revenue dips

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Income generated from mines has declined in northern Kunduz province following the withdrawal of foreign troops and due to the lingering electoral crisis, an official said on Monday.

Reserves of petroleum, phosphorus, stucco, construction stones, gravel and sands exist in Chahar Dara, Khanabad, Aliabad and Qala-i-Zal districts of Kunduz. Stucco, stones, gravel and sand mines are excavated for construction purposes.

Eng. Mirza Mohammad Sultani, the provincial mines and petroleum director, said the revenues from the mining sector dropped to 900,000 afghanis this year compared to 2.8 million afs in 2013.

He said most of the revenues were achieved from stucco, gravel and stands used in construction activities in summer. But the election crisis has negatively impacted development activities in the province, he said.

He cited the withdrawal of foreign troops from Kunduz another problem contributing to the decline in income: “Foreign troops would sign contracts with us for the procurement of construction materials, which was a major source of income.”

The ongoing election crisis has raised serious concerns among the masses, said Abdul Qadir Hussainkhel, the provincial council director.

He said: “The prolonged electoral process is the reason behind the growing insurgency, unemployment and decline in business activities. The election crisis needs to be resolved soon.”

Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industries head Massoud Wahdat said imports of goods from Kunduz to foreign countries had also fallen by 50 percent as a result of the electoral strife.

He said goods worth $ 2.7 million were exported since March this year, showing a record low compared to the same period in 2013.

mm/ma