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Newsletter
New Power Initiative in Gereshk to Bring Power to 50000 People and Boost Local Businesses
Publish Date: Jan 21, 2012The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Afghanistan, supported by the governments of the United Kingdom and Denmark, signed a grant agreement on 21 January 2012 to transform and upgrade the Gereshk power supply system in Helmand. This is expected to benefit 50,000 people and boost local businesses in Helmand province.
The agreement which will provide US$75.4million in grants was signed by Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, the Minister of Finance of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Mr. Robert Gordon Rinker, Country Director for Asian Development Bank. The funds for the grant will upgrade the Gereshk hydropower plant, replace 30 kilometers of smaller distribution lines with larger capacity lines, and install power distribution meters. These improvements will ensure that 50,000 Gereshk residents and local businesses have access to a more reliable electricity supply.
Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) will oversee the construction and manage the power plant after rehabilitation is completed. DABS is the official government company that operates and manages electric power generation, import, transmission, and distribution throughout Afghanistan.
Today only around 10% of households electricity needs are supplied by the national electricity grid despite the country’s potential in hydropower generation, natural gas, and coal reserves. Afghanistan’s electricity consumption of 21 kWh per capita is one of the lowest in the world. Today’s signing represents a great leap forward for the province and will create greater opportunities for businesses and residents.
Notes to Reader:
- ADB contributed $43.0 million, the UK $20.0 million, and Denmark $12.4 million. ADB has extended about $420 million in assistance to Afghanistan’s energy sector.
