Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, on Monday inaugurated the construction of Palatuni Dam in Paktika province.

The dam will store 25 million cubic meters of water, irrigate 2,500 hectares of land, and generate 935 kilowatts of electricity. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for hundreds of citizens, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said in a statement.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Baradar said that agriculture is crucial for a strong economy, and water is the most essential element for agricultural development. To achieve this goal, the Islamic Emirate has prioritized water management and called on investors to invest in this sector, he said.

He added that the Islamic Emirate is determined to manage natural resources, alongside other sectors, for the country’s self-sufficiency and socio-economic development.

Baradar mentioned that opportunities have been created for both domestic and foreign investors to invest in this area. He further stated that the Islamic Emirate has assessed large and medium-sized dams across the country that were either incomplete or had not yet begun.

Deputy PM stated that this project, supported financially by the Islamic Emirate and implemented by the National Development Corporation, is expected to be completed in two and a half years.