After more than three decades of conflict, much of Afghanistan‘s power transmission and distribution infrastructure was destroyed. About 90% of the population had no access to electricity and the country had very little capacity to meet its own energy needs.
Newly constructed transmission lines bringing power from Afghanistan’s northern neighbors are now transforming lives, creating jobs, and promoting stability and prosperity.
Much of Afghanistan’s road network was built during the 1960s but three decades of conflict destroyed much of it. Access to goods, trade, education, health, and other services was very difficult. Since 2002, more than 800 kilometers of new and rehabilitated roads have been built and work is under way to build more and eventually link the entire country.
Afghanistan opened its first ever railway line in January 2012. The 75-kilometer rail link connects the city of Mazar-e-Sharif with the country‘s leading dry port at Hairatan on the border with Uzbekistan.
Exporting goods via the new railway to other parts of Central Asia is now easier, boosting trade and commerce. Vital supplies and other materials critical to Afghanistan’s development can now be transported much faster, cheaper, and in greater quantity.
An expanded railway system covering 4,425 kilometers is expected to be developed in the future and is expected to connect the majority of the country’s population centers.
Once famous for its produce, agriculture in Afghanistan was devastated. Irrigation channels were severely damaged and many farmlands were neglected after decades of conflict.
But, farmers are now making a comeback. Improved irrigation canals are now watering farms in the Balkh River basin and have boosted yields significantly.
Cold storages facilities were also built to give opportunities for farmers to store potatoes – an essential staple, and increase profits. Grown only once during spring time, the potatoes are now available year round.
Cut off for decades, investment in reliable power and modern telecommunications means Afghans can now connect globally through cell phones and the internet.
The country is now slowly emerging from its troubled past, but much work still needs to be done.