Kandahar Governor requests World Bank development projects

Kandahar Governor Mullah Mohammad Shirin Akhund has requested the World Bank to launch major development projects in southern Afghanistan. During a meeting with World Bank Group country director Faris Hadad-Zervos and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative Richard Trenchard, the governor outlined several critical infrastructure and social needs.

Proposed projects include raising the height of the Dahla Dam, providing continued support for Mirwais Regional Hospital, and constructing check dams and cold-storage facilities. The governor also emphasized the need to expand markets for fresh and dried fruits and support alternative crops to replace narcotics cultivation.

Faris Hadad-Zervos noted that the World Bank has maintained operations in Afghanistan since the Islamic Emirate took power, focusing on health, education, clean water, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance. The organizations are also collaborating with local authorities to strengthen the private sector and create employment opportunities.