Abdul Latif Mansoor, the acting Minister of Energy and Water, in an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, stated that projects previously funded by foreign entities under the former government are now being financed and implemented through domestic resources.

In this interview, Mansoor highlighted the efforts of the interim government in managing the country's water supply and constructing the Qosh Tepa Canal, asserting that Afghanistan's use of its water resources does not harm any other country.

The acting Minister of Energy and Water emphasized that if any country has concerns regarding Afghanistan's water management and the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, they can resolve the issue through dialogue with the officials of the Islamic Emirate.

He told TOLOnews, "We have told the concerned countries that there is no need for worry. The water is ours, and the canal is being built on our land for the benefit of Afghans. We have not and will not harm anyone."

Abdul Latif Mansoor also mentioned Iran's water rights from the Helmand River, stating that recent droughts have affected the residents of Helmand and Nimroz provinces, which has led to Afghanistan's inability to fulfill Iran's water rights. However, with increased rainfall and water levels in the Helmand River, Afghanistan has released water towards Iran.

The acting Minister of Energy and Water said, "This year, with the rainfall and floods, the water needs of the people in Nimroz and Helmand provinces were met. The excess water, which could not be contained in the dam, flowed towards Iran, fulfilling their water rights."

In another part of the interview, the acting minister noted that to overcome the water crisis and generate energy in the country, the Islamic Emirate is working on constructing dams, check dams, and energy production projects, including the Gambiri Dam in Kunar province, Kamal Khan Dam, Tori Dam, projects to generate 250 megawatts of electricity from wind, coal, and solar sources, and a project to produce 300 megawatts of electricity from gas.

The acting Minister of Energy and Water added, "Undoubtedly, resources are limited because, in the past, foreigners funded some projects. They are no longer here to continue the work. Therefore, we are moving forward according to the Islamic Emirate's budget. We will use any development budget allocated to us."

The acting Minister also identified the population increase in Kabul as a primary cause of water shortages in the capital. He stated that efforts are underway to secure water for Kabul residents through projects like the Shah wa Aros Dam, Shah Tut Dam, and transferring water from the Panjshir River.