KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday said fundamental changes had been brought to the Minister of Water and Energy (MoWE), strengthening the ministry’s capacity in the field of water.
President Ghani said this during a meeting with elders from the Arghistan district of southern Kandahar province regarding water shortage this morning.
Haji Khudai Dad and Haji Mullah Agha Jan spoke on behalf of others and shared their problems resulting from lack of water and drought. They suggested establishment of water dams to save pomegranate gardens from drought.
Agriculture, irrigation and livestock minister Nasir Ahmad Durrani told the meeting small water dams and other projects would be launched soon to reduce the shortage of water in districts.
Abdul Hameed Helmandi, president’s advisor on agriculture affairs, said: “The certain problems would be resolved fundamentally with creation of small water projects.”
He said the government was trying to promote water preservation and make people aware about fair use of water.
Khan Mohammad Takal, deputy minister of energy, the use of pipe for irrigation of gardens had been significant in saving water and boosting people’s economy.
Another official Mujeeb Rahman Karimi said 41 projects of potable water, canals and water heads would be implemented soon.
After hearing from the elders about their problems and suggestions, President Ghani said a joint committee of representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development and Energy and Water would be established to resolve the water scarcity issue,
He said basic changes had been made in the ministry of water and energy and a dam was being considered in Arghistan district in future. He urged people to pay serious heed to water saving.
“Our promises regarding building canals will be implemented as early as possible and the government departments concerned have been ordered to arrange their plans and present them to me.” (Pajhwok)