Uzbekistan plans to send a government delegation to Afghanistan by the end of the year to negotiate regarding the under-construction Kohtepa Canal, which diverts water from the Amu Darya River, stated Ulugbek Kosimov, the hokim (head) of the Surkhandaryo region in Uzbekistan, Gazeta.uz reports.
This directive came from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to Kosimov, although the canal is being constructed from the Tajikistan border and not from Uzbekistan, it will have an impact on all countries in the basin.
As of now, Afghanistan has not opened the canal, and construction work on the river remains incomplete. However, whether you like it or not, it will have an impact on the water volume, there will be a reduction. The development will take several more years, constructing the canal is not the only thing. The development will also require significant funds. Before addressing this matter, it will be discussed at the government level, said Ulugbek Kosimov.
During the expected negotiations, water distribution will undoubtedly be discussed. Currently, the date of the visit is being coordinated, and letters have been sent to the Afghan side.
Lower-level matters are regularly discussed between the heads of the Surkhandaryo region and the Balkh province.
It is worth noting that Afghanistan recently completed the first stage of canal construction. Officials from the Islamic Emirate have stated that Afghanistan has the full right to use the water from the Amu Darya, and the project and its security are under the responsibility of intelligence services and the army, which are prepared to prevent any obstacles from neighboring countries.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 18, 2023