KABUL (TCA) — A major solar power plant project, expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity, was launched on September 24 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, TOLOnews agency reports.
Speaking at the event, Afghanistan CEO Abdullah Abdullah said that with this project, most of Kandahar’s power problems will be resolved and that it will also create jobs for locals.
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, and contractor companies.
Out of $19 million USD, the contractor companies will pay nine million.
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 the government and private sector,” said Abdullah.
Meanwhile, the head of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said this is the first joint project between the government and the private sector.
According to DABS officials they will pay the [project operating] 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.
