Nations cannot achieve political independence without economic self-reliance. Any kind of foreign aid comes with strings attached, many of which cost a country its independence and national sovereignty. To gain political autonomy and block foreign interference, states must concentrate first and foremost on attaining economic independence and self-sufficiency. Afghanistan, which has been burning in fire enflamed by foreign interests for decades, also needs to accomplish economic self-reliance, and as like other countries, possess massive potential and resources. However, they should be managed in a manner through improved governance that can lead to prosperity and tranquility of people.
Abundance of water besides mineral deposits carries a huge potential to steer the country towards economic self-sufficiency. Now, Afghanistan resembles a thirsty person sitting on a riverbank that sees water but cannot drink it. Despite having plenty of water resources, Afghanistan suffers from drought as badly as it ensures and perpetuates the need for foreign assistance. Severe drought has displaced tens of thousands of families in various provinces only over the last two years.
President Ghani has always said during his election campaign and presidency that water management is one of his top priorities, but unfortunately no steps that have yielded tangible results and effectively improved people’s lives have been taken so far in this as well as other areas, in which he has promised to bring about improvements. Five years is enough time to improve water management at least to an extent that can satisfy the needs of Afghan people. If the government had truly prioritized water management as promised, and timely and properly completed only ongoing projects, many of the problems Afghans are currently facing due to lack of water would have now been alleviated. Because of unsuccessful and wrong government policies, Afghan people lose their homes to flash floods in one half of the year, and struggle to find drinking water in the other half. These conditions have to end. By adopting proper policies and appropriately utilizing the existing resources, the government has to give priority to water management and tap this huge potential for the economic self-sufficiency of Afghanistan as well as wellbeing of its citizens.
