Construction Work on Second Phase of Qosh Tepa Canal Begins

The Islamic Emirate said that construction work on the second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal which stretches from Dawlat Abad district of Balkh province to Andkhoi district of Faryab province has begun.

According to officials of the Islamic Emirate, the contracted companies have started digging and are in the second phase.

“The remaining part of the Qosh Tepa Canal has been planned and this will take some time. Work on the second phase began yesterday (February 20) and the contracted companies are commencing to work gradually,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.

The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock said that the Qosh Tepa Canal is key for national self-reliance and for producing various agricultural crops.

“The wheat we use in the country is being imported from neighboring countries and the completion of the canal can make it self-sufficient in this area. The canal will help us become self-sufficient in the areas of agriculture and livestock which will turn Afghanistan from an importing to exporting country,” said Mirwais Haji Zada, the deputy head of the chamber.

Political analysts say that the completion of the project will not cause positive climate changes but will also help Afghanistan’s significant economic growth.

“The completion of the second phase, which goes from Dawlat Abad district of Balkh province to Andkhoi district of Faryab province, will cause a green revolution in the environment and will also lead to an increase in employment opportunities,” said Qutbudin Yaqubi, an economic analyst.

At the moment, the first phase of Qosh Tepa Canal has been dug and runs for 198 kilometers, and the construction work on the watershed and the third biggest bridge is ongoing.
The digging of the second phase, which is 177 kilometers, will take 12 months.