BADGHIS, Afghanistan — Local officials in western Afghanistan say construction of the Qaderabad Dam in Badghis Province is approximately 60 percent complete, marking progress on a key water infrastructure project in a region that faces recurring water shortages.
Mohammad Wali Jan Rahmat, the governor of Badghis Province, inspected the project during a visit to Qadis District and said construction work is continuing steadily.
The Qaderabad Dam is being built in the Qaders Khorak area of Qadis District. According to officials, the dam will measure 200 meters in length, 114 meters in width, and 32 meters in height once completed.
The project is estimated to cost $12.5 million, with funding provided by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance.
Construction originally began in 2018 but was halted following the collapse of the former Afghan government in 2021. Work on the project resumed in October 2023 under the current administration.
Although the contracting company had pledged to complete the dam within two years, officials say the project has not yet been fully completed. Reports indicate that technical, financial, and seasonal challenges have affected the original construction schedule, and work remains ongoing.
The dam is expected to play an important role in improving water management, supporting agriculture, and strengthening water security in parts of Badghis Province, where communities frequently face limited access to reliable water resources.
Afghanistan has experienced growing pressure on its water resources in recent years due to recurring droughts, climate-related challenges, and insufficient water infrastructure. As a result, projects such as the Qaderabad Dam are considered significant for improving water storage capacity and supporting local livelihoods.
