Signature Project: Dahla Dam and Irrigation System

One of Canada’s six priorities for moving forward on Afghanistan is to help strengthen the Afghan government’s institutional capacity to deliver core services and promote economic growth. The repair of the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system directly addresses this priority, as it will:

• provide a secure irrigation water supply to the majority of the Kandahari population;
• generate 10,000 seasonal jobs; and
• foster agriculture by providing farmers with irrigated land.

The Dahla Dam project also addresses the recommendation of the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan for a major signature project that directly addresses the greatest needs of the Afghan people and is clearly identified with Canada.

Canada will invest up to $50 million* over three years to implement the following activities related to the initiative:

• repairs to the Dahla Dam, such as replacing generators and repairing water valves to improve the control of water flow;
• fixing gates to control the flow of water from the Arghandab River into the canal system;
• repairs to the canals, including desilting;
• support in establishing the Arghandab Sub-basin water management body, which will take the lead in managing the area’s water system in consultation with local stakeholders; and
• training farmers in water management and new crop production techniques.

Additional facts

The Dahla Dam and irrigation system, located in the heart of the province of Kandahar, is Afghanistan’s second largest dam. Eighty percent of Kandahar’s population lives along the irrigation system. Since it was built in the 1950s, years of disrepair have left the dam and irrigation system functioning at reduced capacity.

Funding for this signature project is included in the Government of Canada’s investment of up to $210 million over three years to help the Afghan government deliver basic services.

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* Specific allocations are subject to adjustments in response to changes in the complex Afghan environment.