Kandahar’s Lora dam study project launched

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) has announced the launch of the initial study and detailed design phase of the Lora Dam project in Arghistan district of southern Kandahar province, with an estimated value of 102 million afghanis.

According to a statement from the ministry, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, said the project reflects the caretaker government’s commitment to water resource management and national economic development.

He reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) dedication to advancing prosperity and development across all sectors, noting that significant steps have already been taken toward this goal.

Acting Minister of Energy and Water, Maulvi Abdul Latif Mansour, explained that the current phase involves a pre-construction assessment and detailed technical design of the dam. The next phase will begin with actual construction.

He also said that, alongside the Lora Dam project, work is ongoing on two additional check dam projects in the same region, which are expected to be completed and operational in the near future.

Highlighting the government’s broader achievements, Mansour explained that the IEA has established a Sharia-based governance system, and despite limited resources, has delivered progress in national security, economic stability, and infrastructure development.

He urged the public to remain vigilant against “enemy conspiracies” and to support the Islamic system as part of their religious and national responsibilities.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Acting Minister of Information and Culture Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa hailed the Lora Dam project as a positive step toward improved water management.

He emphasized the IEA’s continued efforts in promoting national development and infrastructure growth.

According to the ministry, the Lora Dam project is intended to support water management, agricultural irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, and groundwater replenishment in Arghistan district.

The initial study and detailed design will be carried out over a period of 18 months by the Afghan-German Bakhtar Company, under a resource-for-investment agreement, with a total contract value of 102 million afghanis.

kk/sa