SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Local officials in Herat say a $420 million project will be launched to extend natural gas pipelines throughout the city.
According to the officials, the project will create 3,000 direct jobs and more than 70,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Farhad Mohammadi, a resident of Herat, said: "The arrival of TAPI gas in Afghanistan will be a major benefit for the people, especially those in Herat. It will also create employment opportunities for young people."
Another Herat resident, Mohammad Haidari, said: "We welcome this project and hope that, after starting in Herat, it will expand to other provinces so more people can benefit."
Local authorities say that more than 110 kilometers of the TAPI pipeline have been laid in Herat Province so far.
Economic experts say supplying TAPI gas to households and industrial facilities will play an important role in strengthening Afghanistan's economy.
Economic analyst Mohammad Naser Moeen said: "Once homes are connected to the gas network and industries receive natural gas, living standards will undoubtedly improve. A significant portion of household income is currently spent on energy costs, including gas and electricity."
Experts also say that bringing TAPI gas to Herat will help reduce air pollution. Homes, public bathhouses, bakeries, and industrial factories will be able to use natural gas instead of fossil fuels.
University professor Abdul Karim Poya said: "At present, many homes and bathhouses burn fossil fuels such as coal during the winter, which contributes to air pollution in Herat. Once natural gas reaches the city, pollution will decline, helping Herat remain a cleaner and more livable city."
The TAPI pipeline stretches more than 1,800 kilometers, with over 820 kilometers passing through Afghanistan.
According to official figures, Afghanistan will receive between 500 million and 1.5 billion cubic meters of TAPI gas in three phases.
In addition, Afghanistan is expected to earn approximately $400 million annually in transit fees for transporting TAPI gas to Pakistan and India.
Courtesy: www.tolonews.com
