CASA-1000 to strengthen economy, security

KUNDUZ CITY (PAN’s economy and security.

 When completed, CASA-1000 will allow Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to profit from existing, unused summer generation capacity by selling electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan would doubly benefit from the project as a consumer and as a transit country generating revenue.
Pakistan would add 1,000mw to its national grid during the summer months.

The transmission lines would pass through Kunduz, Baghlan, Kabul and Nangarhar provinces.

Eng. Naeemullah, an advisor to the Ministry of Energy and Water, during a visit to Kunduz said the project contract would last 25 years. He said the project had a great importance for Afghanistan in terms of economic benefits.

Hamidullah, the power utility chief in Kunduz, said Afghanistan would benefit the most from the project because it would use 300mw of electricity in addition to claiming transit charges and other privileges.

“It will be a good source of income for Afghanistan,” he said, adding the key of the project would remain with Afghanistan.  

“If a neighboring country interferes in our affairs, we can switch off the electricity,” Hamidullah said, believing implementation of the project would have an impact on joint efforts with Pakistan on strengthening security and peace.

“Some neighbouring countries have hand in insecurities that started in the past and continue in the present in Afghanistan, but the electricity project can put to an end the problem,” believed Jamal Bajauri, a provincial council member.

aa/ma

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