Officials from several manufacturing factories in Nangarhar’s industrial park are complaining about power shortages, water scarcity, poor road conditions, and a lack of markets for their products.
They report that they only have access to electricity for 10 hours a day, which has slowed their operations and caused financial losses.
Siyal Sapi, the head of a poultry farm in the Shaikh Mesri Industrial Park in Nangarhar, says that to foster the growth of the private sector, the existing problems must be addressed. “Our major problem is the lack of electricity; there are no proper roads; no hospital, and we are facing many difficulties,” he adds.
Kamran Akbari, the manager of a poultry feed and animal nutrition factory in the province, also highlights infrastructure issues. “Our biggest problem is the lack of proper roads. Another issue is the electricity shortage. We only have power for 10 hours out of 24. Our industrial parks don’t have protective walls. Our request is that urban services be established so workers can commute easily.”
Economic experts argue that for creating job opportunities in society, the de-facto government of the Islamic Emirate must provide more support and ease for the private sector.
Asadullah Ahmadzai, an economic expert, says, “It is essential to support the private sector; doing so will reduce unemployment and play a significant role in economic development. In the current situation, the government should pay more attention to the private sector than other sectors.”
On the other hand, Shakirullah Stanekzai, the director of industrial parks for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Nangarhar, states that the de-facto government is committed to providing necessary facilities for the private sector. He explains that currently, land has been distributed to all manufacturing factories in Nangarhar, and roads have been constructed for some.
“We have 150 active factories in Nangarhar, all of which have been allocated land; some have roads built, and work is ongoing for others. Thousands of people are employed in these factories.”
Islamic Emirate officials have previously stated that they are making efforts to provide all necessary facilities for private sector investment in Afghanistan.
