KABUL, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have initiated construction of 14 new water supply networks in drought-stricken northern Sari Pul province, marking a significant step toward improving clean water access for rural communities, the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development announced Monday.
Valued at 58 million afghani (over 862,000 U.S. dollars), the projects will be built in Sancharak, Kosfandi, and Sozma Qala districts. Once completed, the networks are projected to serve 3,500 families in these areas and surrounding regions, providing safe drinking water while supporting agricultural and household needs, according to the ministry.
Afghanistan continues to face severe water shortages due to years of successive droughts, with residents in major cities having limited access to potable water.
