KABUL - President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday stressed the need for proper management of water and asked neighbouring countries not to worry about the construction of dams and other networks in Afghanistan.
Addressing the fourth national water conference under the theme ‘Water and Stable Development,” at the Presidential Palace, Ghani said, “Afghanistan’s water development is in the interest of the region.”
Asking neighbours support the process, the president said his administration’s guiding principles were aimed at the protection of people’s interests, lifting them out of poverty and respecting international norms.
He said water being an important resource for regional cooperation could be better utilised within a legal framework based on mutual interest. It would also help boost cooperation in the neighbourhood, he hoped.
“We want our neighbours not to worry about the creation of water dams and networks in Afghanistan, instead they should support such because the water could be better used in this way,” the president argued.
Afghanistan could be developed into an average economy and steered out of poverty if its major natural resources were exploited over the next 20 years, Ghani hoped. The Afghans had to achieve development as prolonged reliance on others had been a mistake, he said.
The president said water was a source of energy and its better management could meet Afghanistan’s needs to a large extent. Water also plays a key role in promoting agriculture in a country whose 80 percent population is dependent on it, he added.
“Our historical experiences in areas of culture, civilisation and Shariah law, particularly in using water resources, are learning points in water management. Water is a great blessing of Allah but its improper use also can create problems,” he said.
The president added: “Drought has increased as result of insecurity and flooding; the old culture of water distribution base has been damaged.”
The president said scientific and judicious management of water was needed for a solution to problems including drought.
Ghani suggested public awareness on the issue through mosques, media and schools. The people should be educated on how to avoid water wastage and improve a just distribution of the precious natural resource. (Pajhwok)