LASHKARGAH (PAN): Helmand Governor Gulab Mangal has lashed out at foreign aid groups for non-cooperation with his government in executing development projects.

Mangal was speaking at a gathering held on the campus of the Agriculture University in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, on Monday.

On the occasion, International Relief and Development (IRD) Inc provided the university some agricultural equipment.

While welcoming assistance from foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs), he alleged some of the groups were creating problems for his administration.

He said the IRD had launched a process of installing water pumps in Marja district despite the presence of an effective water system there.

He added the process would only result in encouraging grabbing government land, stealing water from canals and depriving growers of their rights.

Mangal said Helmand, being an agricultural province, could make the entire country self-sufficient in food if it was given assistance and attention by the international community.

A number of residents also criticised foreign NGOs for carrying out purposeless activities. They believed some of the organisations created problems for them instead.

ma/mud