MONITORING (SW) – The Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Juma, has announced that the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project will be completed and operational within the next two years.
In a press conference held on Monday, in Tajikistan, he stated that CASA-1000 is one of the largest regional projects, which, once operational, will connect Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
The Tajikistan Minister further added that the construction work for the project in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has been completed, and work continues in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“… and Pakistan is rapidly progressing in completing its infrastructure. We expect the project work in Pakistan to be completed by the middle of this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Water of the Islamic Emirate says that preparations for the practical work on the CASA-1000 project within Afghanistan have been made, and work will begin once funding is secured from the World Bank.
Ministry spokesperson Qudratullah Abed, said, “CASA-1000 is a regional project, and about 70% of the work has been completed in Afghanistan. 95% of the equipment has arrived at the site. The World Bank will fund the project, and once funded, Afghans are ready to begin the work.”
CASA-1000 is the largest electricity transmission project from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan through Afghanistan to Pakistan. Upon completion, 300 megawatts of electricity will be allocated to Afghanistan.
Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, mentioned that the Islamic Emirate is working on implementing major infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.
“The realization of this project will create job opportunities for thousands of people, and Afghanistan will receive significant revenue annually. The Islamic Emirate is striving to establish economic stability and job opportunities through the implementation of large infrastructure projects.”
Qotbuddin Yaqubi, an economic expert, said that the completion of the CASA-1000 project will partially resolve Afghanistan’s electricity shortage. “In addition, Afghanistan will be freed from power shortages, and job opportunities will be created. This will bring a transformation in Afghanistan’s industries, energy, and factories.”
The World Bank previously announced that at the request of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, it would resume work on the CASA-1000 project to prevent it from becoming an idle asset and to support Afghan citizens.
