Ghazni residents concerned over quality of ongoing check dam project — Pajhwok

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Some residents of southern Ghazni province have expressed concern over the quality and technical strength of a check dam under construction at a cost of around 19 million afghanis, while officials have assured that the project will be implemented according to the required standards. Local tribal elders said floodwaters from the mountains of Jaghori, Rasana and Gowhar flow towards the check dam and urged that it be constructed to a high standard and made strong enough to withstand heavy flooding. Haji Ghulam, a tribal elder from the area, told Pajhwok Afghan News that many families live along the watercourse leading to the check dam and that any negligence in its construction could cause serious damage to local residents. “We are not opposed to the project, but we want it to be built to a standard that can withstand severe floods and does not put people’s lives and property at risk,” he said. Mohammad Anwar, another tribal elder, said the walls of the check dam under construction had been built about 1.5 metres below ground level. “People build underground walls 1.5 metres deep even for ordinary irrigation channels, but this check dam is being built to prevent major floods. Therefore, the strength of its foundation and other parts should undergo the necessary technical assessment,” he said. He alleged…