A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by Deputy and Chief of Projects Do-Wil Mo Koerje, visited Nuristan province this week to discuss infrastructure-based development and job creation.
The delegation met with the province’s Deputy Governor, Mawlawi Faisal Mukhtar, along with officials from sectoral departments and the UNDP’s eastern zone representative.
Speaking during the meeting, Koerje said the visit aimed to strengthen coordination with provincial authorities, mobilize support for essential infrastructure projects, and help generate employment opportunities for local residents.
She outlined plans to support infrastructure development in sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, bridges, and small hydropower facilities. According to her, 19 schools and four health centers are expected to be equipped with solar power systems under UNDP funding, and a small hydroelectric project in the Chitras area is set to be inaugurated soon.
Koerje also requested cooperation from the provincial administration to facilitate the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and ensure effective implementation of the planned projects.
In response, Deputy Governor Mukhtar welcomed UNDP’s previous development efforts and said the launch of new projects would bring significant benefits to the local population. He called on UNDP to prioritize road construction, mini-dams, healthcare facilities, and schools to help improve livelihoods and create jobs.
He further emphasized that Nuristan has vast water resources, and developing small-scale hydropower could provide reliable electricity to the region.
The meeting concluded with the Deputy Governor assuring full support from local authorities and expressing hope for expanded joint development efforts in the province.
