Objective. The objective of this USAID-funded project is to provide operation and maintenance services and capacity building for five diesel power plants of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) in southern Afghanistan and for the Naybak Power Plant in Samangan province. The aim is to provide a reliable electric energy supply to the surrounding communities until longer-term solutions are implemented.

The project can be divided into two primary task areas: (1) to continue during the emergency period to provide operations and maintenance technical support, and (2) to develop the capacity of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat to accept all duties and responsbilities, including organizational and individual development.

Background. In 2003, USAID recognized the need to provide emergency diesel-generated power to Kandahar, Lashkar Gah, and Qalat. In the same period, the World Bank provided emergency diesel generators to eight provincial towns, including Aybak, Musa Qala, and Tirin Kot. The intent of these actions was to provide immediate sources of electrical energy to the respective areas while longer-term and more sustainable lower-cost solutions were being developed.

Status. This project was begun under one task order and continues under a follow on task order. Operations and maintenance work continues in Kandahar, Lashkar Gah, Qalat Musa Qata, Aybak, and Tirin Kot. These power plants are servicing approximately 94,000 homes in southern Afghanistan each month. Based on teh approved procurement plan, procurement activities have been initiated to purchase spare parts and consumables for the generators. An operator training program is in place for training plant operators in the southern region, training in all aspects of plant operations is an ongoing activity.

Impact. The power plants operated and maintained through this USAID-funded project have an immediate effect on the lives of the people who live in the communities served. The power generated feeds into the local distribution system and ultimately benefits numerous families, small businesses, and industrial enterprises. Through its support for these various power projects, USAID hopes to improve people’s lives and help restore normalcy, especially in southern Afghanistan.

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