Qosh-Tepa channel in Afghanistan: megaproject at the finish line
The construction of the second phase of the Qosh-Tepa canal in Afghanistan, one of the largest irrigation projects in the country’s history, is nearing completion – earthworks have been completed by 93%. This large-scale project is designed to radically change the agricultural landscape of the northern provinces and become the basis for strengthening the food security of the entire state, TOLOnews reports.
According to official data of the National Development Company of Afghanistan, in addition to the almost completed earthworks, the construction of the main water intake structure of the canal has reached 82% readiness. At the same time, active work is underway on the construction of related infrastructure, including 13 bridges and other hydraulic engineering facilities necessary to regulate the flow of water.
The main goal of the project is to irrigate more than 500,000 hectares of drylands in three northern provinces: Balkh, Jauzjan and Faryab. The supply of water to these territories, as the Afghan authorities assure, will open up unique opportunities for the development of the food industry, the creation of thousands of new jobs and a significant increase in agricultural exports.
Local economic analysts share the optimism of the authorities. Expert Qutbuddin Yakubi notes that the Qosh-Tepa canal, being the largest irrigation canal in the region, will play a decisive role in Afghanistan’s achieving self-sufficiency in the main types of agricultural products. In his opinion, competent management of water resources will not only give impetus to the economy, but will also become the foundation for food security of the state.
Representatives of the National Development Company of Afghanistan assure that all construction works are carried out in strict accordance with the schedule and meet international quality standards. Current efforts are focused on several areas at the same time, which allows us to count on the timely commissioning of the facility.
Original (in Russian): Канал Кош-Тепа в Афганистане: мегапроект на финишной прямой
