Germany to fund power supply plans

Germany will provide 19 million euros for the implementation of power supply projects in northern Badakhshan and Kunduz provinces.

An agreement to the effect was inked between acting Water and Energy Minister Muhammad Ismail and GTZ head Michael Grover in Kabul on Thursday.

Ismail Khan told reporters after the signing ceremony that a dam generating 5.4 megawatts of power would be constructed in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province.

Another dam to be built in Kesham district would produce two megawatts of electricity, according to the acting minister, who explained part of the money would be spent on rehabilitating a power supply facility in Khanabad district of Kunduz.

He revealed work on the projects, beginning in March, would be completed in 22 months. A portion of the 19 million euros will be used to expand the power supply network in Baghlan province and equip a power station in Khulam district of Balkh.

Hailing financial support from Germany, he said Berlin had provided 80 millions euros for Afghanistan's energy sector over the last four years.

The GTZ head, who promised continued help, said Germany was supporting power supply, health and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. Small loans granted by the GTZ which amount to $200 millions.