MEHTARLAAM (SW): A local non-government organization in Laghman has erected a 300 meter long stone-wall saving thousands of jeribs of land from the devastation of floods.
The move by this charity organization working for the welfare of sightless people has been widely hailed by the locals, allowing them to work fearlessly on their fields. Aurang, a local elder, said in this regard the stone-wall supported by a metal net has enabled the locals to farm on up to 1000 jeribs of land without the fear of floods.
The river in Alishand area is usually calm in winters, but it often overflows in spring and summer.
However, assurance against floods guaranteed by this new wall means the farmers can confidently engage with their everyday work.
Expressing profound joy, Hassan Khan and Khan Agha, two such farmers, said this small step has turned deserted and wasted land into agricultural patch of up to 1000 jeribs. They said without the fear of floods, they can now confidently expect a proper yield and profits.
The farmers in Laghman said lack of resources and prevailing poverty so far hindered execution of such a collective welfare project in the area. They said this project by the organization for the welfare of sightless people also created jobs or hundreds of people.
The wall has been erected in the Pajakiyo area close to the provincial capital Mehtarlaam. Farmers here grow maize, wheat and rice among a number of other crops.
According to the organization for the welfare of sightless people, the project cost AFN 14 million provided by the World Food Program.
Amina Nida, provincial director for the organization for the welfare of sightless people, said it took them three months to complete the stone-wall. She informed this single wall helped save up to eight villages in Laghman from flooding.
The organization has been working for welfare in Laghman for the past sixteen years. Among other projects, it has also organized a number of skill development courses for women and girls here.
Locals in the province are happy with such projects of public welfare, and want the government and the development sector to help them with more such endeavors particularly in the agriculture.
ENDS
