Afghanistan has approved $99 million in development projects covering hospitals, hydropower, electricity and customs infrastructure as authorities focus on reconstruction and growth….reports India Daily News Desk
Afghanistan has approved 21 development projects worth about $99 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, dams, power infrastructure and other public facilities, according to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The projects, valued at around 6.5 billion Afghanis based on current exchange rates, were approved by the country’s Procurement Commission during a meeting chaired by Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said 34 projects were presented to the commission for consideration. Following discussions, 21 projects were approved, while amendments were endorsed for a further 12 projects.
The projects will be financed by the Islamic Emirate, Fitrat said in a post on X.
The approved programme covers a number of sectors, including healthcare, energy, water infrastructure and customs facilities, reflecting efforts by the Afghan authorities to expand essential public infrastructure.
Among the major projects approved is the reconstruction of the Manaqi Hydroelectric Dam in Kunar province. The project is expected to contribute to the country’s electricity and water infrastructure while supporting wider development in the eastern province.
The commission also approved the procurement of scanners for customs facilities at airports in Kabul, Herat, Nangarhar, Balkh and Khost provinces.
Healthcare infrastructure forms another significant part of the package.
Projects include construction of the Qadri Hospital in Helmand province, as well as public hospitals in Shughnan district of Badakhshan, Chak district of Maidan Wardak and Qala-e-Zal district of Kunduz.
Several power supply and distribution projects in different provinces have also received approval as part of the development programme.
Fitrat said a committee had additionally been tasked with negotiating with the winning company over the price of one project before submitting a report to the leadership of the Procurement Commission.
The latest approvals come as Afghanistan’s authorities increasingly emphasise reconstruction and economic development following decades of conflict.
Last week, Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, Charge d’Affaires at Afghanistan’s Embassy in India, said the country’s priorities were shifting from managing war towards strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, rebuilding infrastructure and improving public services.
Speaking at a reception in New Delhi marking the fifth anniversary of what Afghanistan’s authorities describe as “Victory Day”, Noor highlighted regional economic cooperation and private-sector development as important elements of the country’s future direction.
“Advancing regional economic projects and supporting the private sector are clear examples of this direction,” he said.
Noor also pointed to progress on regional economic and transit initiatives, describing them as important foundations for Afghanistan’s economic growth and connectivity with neighbouring countries.
He said Afghanistan was pursuing longer-term plans covering economic growth, energy, urban development, healthcare and infrastructure, while also seeking to maintain stability in the national currency.
“The implementation of long-term plans in the areas of economic growth, energy, urban development, health and infrastructure, as well as maintaining the stability and strength of the Afghan currency, demonstrates that alongside short-term measures, Afghanistan also has a clear vision for sustainable development,” Noor said.
The latest infrastructure approvals come as Afghanistan continues to face major economic and humanitarian challenges, while seeking greater regional engagement and investment.
