AKIPRESS.COM - The second phase of construction of the Qushtepa Canal in Afghanistan is 58% complete. It will be launched in 5 years, Qushtepa Canal National Development Company Chairman Saeed Zabihulla Miri said.

3,500 people and 3,000 machines are involved into the process of construction now.

The Taliban-led government plans the Qushtepa Canal will supply water to 3 provinces in the north of Afghanistan, from Balkh through Jowzjan to Anhui district of Faryab Province. The water supply system became unusable due to long-lasting wars in Afghanistan.

Despite proximity to the bank of the Amu Darya River, farmers in Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, who suffer from shortage of water for many years, fear their situation may exacerbate with launch of the Qushtepa Canal.