Speaking at the launch, Abdullah said the new solar power project will not only supply Kandahar city with electricity but it will also create jobs for locals.

AVA- A major solar power project, expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity was launched on Sunday in Kandahar’s Daman district.

Speaking at the event, CEO Abdullah Abdullah said with this project, most of Kandahar’s power problems will be resolved and that this will also create jobs for locals. 

Abdullah said the National Unity Government (NUG) is committed to addressing challenges faced by the private sector, investors and traders.

The solar power project will cost $19 million USD and will be paid for by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an Indian company named Dynasty and the contractor companies.

Out of $19 million USD, the contractor companies will pay nine millions.

This is the first solar power project in the province and it will supply Kandahar’s city and industrial parks with electricity.

“This solar power project will be implemented by the funds provided by the US. This is a model joint investment by government and private sector,” said Abdullah.

Meanwhile, the head of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said this is the first joint project between government and the private sector.

According to DABS officials they will pay the company seven cents per kilowatt for the next 15 years.

“We will buy the electricity from the company for the next 15 years. We want you to pay your electricity bills on time,” Amanullah Ghalib, head of DABS said.

Energy and water minister Ali Ahmad Osmani meanwhile said they will soon start a number of other power projects in Kandahar.

“We had many meetings on implementing two big dam projects in Kandahar and hope to implement the projects in the near future,” said Osmani.