Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) signed contracts for 10 electricity production and transmission projects today (Thursday) with both domestic and international companies.
Abdul Bari Omar, CEO of DABS, stated that the total cost of these projects is 20.7 billion afghani.
He assured efforts by the company toward self-sufficiency in power production, noting that eight contracts were signed for electricity generation and two for transmission plants, with a combined capacity of 228.45 megawatts.
Speaking on the projects, Abdul Bari Omar said: “The total investment in these projects is 20.7 billion afghani, which not only enables electricity production in the country but also provides employment opportunities for hundreds of young people.”
According to DABS officials, the projects will focus on solar, wind, and gas electricity production and will be implemented in the provinces of Balkh, Herat, Laghman, Logar, Jawzjan, Nangarhar, Zabul, and Kandahar.
Ahmad Jan Bilal, head of governmental companies participating in the signing, said: “Electricity is economically essential for countries, and without it, economic development is nearly impossible.”
Meanwhile, the acting minister of economy, Din Mohammad Hanif, stressed the importance of investing in domestic electricity production. He stated that annually, between $280 to $300 million is paid to neighboring countries for imported electricity.
Hanif added: “These projects are vital for Afghanistan, as the country pays about $280 to $300 million annually to neighbors for electricity, which is a heavy burden.”
Currently, 80% of Afghanistan’s electricity is imported from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, while only 20% is generated domestically.