Afghanistan’s Kandahar launches $180k flood control project

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Authorities in southern Afghanistan have launched a major flood control and drainage reconstruction project in Kandahar’s historic old city, aiming to end years of seasonal water damage to homes and businesses.

According to TOLOnews, the 14 million Afghani ($180,000) initiative will run for four months and focus on rebuilding 5,000 cubic meters of drains, canals, and flood channels. Funded by Kandahar Municipality, the project is designed to prevent floodwaters from nearby mountains from inundating urban neighborhoods each winter.

Local residents say the damage from past floods has been severe. “Three times during the winter season, floodwaters have entered our house, causing us financial damage. All the canals and flood pathways here must be rebuilt,” said Wali Ahmad, a resident of the old city. 

Another resident, Abdullah, described years of neglect: “The people of this area are facing many problems because mountain floodwaters come down onto people’s houses and destroy them. The authorities have not paid attention to this issue before.”

Municipality spokesman Saifullah Asim said the project’s goal is to “prevent floodwaters in the city and rebuild urban sewage systems, drains, and flood channels.” Project engineer Mohebullah added that the work will also clear sewage from city streets, remove blockages in existing systems, and repair damage to key drainage routes.

Residents hope the repairs will protect them from future disasters. “If our canals, drains, and flood pathways are rebuilt, it will be a big help to us,” said Abdul Razzaq, another local resident.

Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second-largest city and a major historical and economic hub, has long struggled with outdated infrastructure. Officials say the new works will be completed before the onset of next winter, marking a significant step in modernizing the city’s flood management system.