NATO Allies and partners contribute to major infrastructure programme, benefitting Afghanistan stability
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, and The Netherlands have announced that they will commit 200 million USD to the Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund, contributing to the completion of a national grid in Afghanistan. Their contribution will enable the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to transition from expensive diesel-generated fuel to the more cost-effective grid. The transition will provide soldiers and police with reliable power to operate their equipment and train on facilities without interruption or unstable fuel costs.
The Asian Development Bank will manage the 200 million USD contribution.
“This power will provide a significant boost to the Afghan economy,” said Dr. Tom Panella, Country Director for the Asian Development Bank. “A growing economy translates into greater tax revenues for the government, making Afghanistan stronger and less reliable on donor support,” he added.
“While the ability to upgrade the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to a power grid is an economic success, it also significantly bolster the nations’ security,” said Maj.Gen. Todd Semonite, Commanding General of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said. “The transition to the grid will slash sustainment costs, allowing Afghan security institutions to focus where they should – on security,” he added.
Link to press release: here