Since 2003, the Department for International Development (DFID) has contributed £38.5 million to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund to support the National Solidarity Programme (NSP), which funds projects developed by local communities themselves. Approximately 17 per cent. of NSP funding has been used for small-scale energy infrastructure projects.
The Department for International Development (DFID) is co-financing the rehabilitation of the Gereshk hydropower plant and associated transmission and distribution system in Helmand province. On completion, the project is expected to increase the supply and reliability of electricity to around 200,000 people.
Since 2003, DFID has also contributed £38.5 million to the National Solidarity Programme (NSP) which funds projects developed by local communities themselves. Approximately 17 per cent. of NSP funding has been used for small-scale energy infrastructure projects.
The refurbishment of the Gereshk hydropower plant is proceeding according to schedule. The detailed design period is now complete. Through the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand, a competitive tender for the upgrade of the 2.5 km access road to the plant has been won by a local Afghan contractor. We are also designing two police checkpoints to be positioned along the access road to improve site security.
The next step is to conclude co-financing arrangements with our investment partners, the Asian Development Bank and the Embassy of Denmark. This agreement will be followed in early 2010 by procurement for civil, mechanical and electrical contracts.
Information relating to progress made in the provision of electricity networks and supply throughout Afghanistan is published on the website of the Afghan Energy Information Center (AIEC) at:
http://www.afghaneic.org/index.html