Chinese firm offers to build dams on Kunar River

KABUL (Pajhwok): A Chinese firm has evinced a keen interest in constructing three large-scale hydropower dams in eastern Kunar province, the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) announced on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Chinese company met Acting Minister of Energy and Water Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour here on Monday, MoEW said in a statement.

The Chinese company expressed its interest in investing in the construction of three major hydropower dams in Kunar. The ministry, however, did not name the firm.

The company representatives were quoted as saying: “We are ready to ink cooperation agreement with MoEW and practically kick off work on the dams.”

Meanwhile, Mansour welcomed the investment offer from the Chinese firm and said Afghanistan could export electricity to neighbouring countries once the dams were constructed.

He assured the company of all possible cooperation and emphasised on commencing practical work on the dams, the statement concluded.

kk/mud