[Field News] Following Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Taliban Canal Construction Raises 'Water Shortage' Warnings

Concerns are growing about potential disruptions to a canal construction project initiated three years ago by the Taliban, the de facto ruling Islamic armed group in Afghanistan, to divert water from Central Asia's Amu Darya River for agricultural use. This project is now facing successive "water shortage" warnings from downstream countries.

According to BNE Intellinews, a Eurasian specialist media outlet, on the 19th, authorities in Kazakhstan, following Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, have expressed concerns about potential water shortages in their country once the Kosh Tepa Canal is completed.

Aslan Abdraimov, Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, recently attended an international water security conference in Astana, the capital, and stated that when the Kosh Tepa Canal, currently under construction by the Afghan Taliban, is completed and operational in two to three years, approximately one-third of the Amu Darya River's flow will be diverted into the canal.

Azamatkhan Amirtayev, chairman of Kazakhstan's Green Party "Baitak," said, "As a result, Uzbekistan will draw more water from another river, the Syr Darya, which will lead to a 30-40% reduction in the amount of Syr Darya water available to Kazakhstan. We are facing a potential environmental and humanitarian crisis."

(Omitted)

Source: Yonhap News

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:28)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan are concerned about water shortages due to the canal construction project initiated three years ago by the Taliban, the de facto ruling Islamic armed group in Afghanistan, to divert water from Central Asia's Amu Darya River for agricultural use.

Have mercy on the people of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, who are undoubtedly more anxious than anyone else, as their water shortage directly impacts health, electricity supply, and food security.

In these challenging times, may the Central Asian church unite to pray for and serve Afghanistan. May the Afghan Taliban not pursue only their own interests but also consider the difficulties of other peoples, so that the Afghan people may practice the love of Jesus.

Furthermore, we pray that the people of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan will not be consumed by worry when they look at their current reality, but instead lift their eyes to see You, God.

Grant them the grace to draw closer to You, their true refuge.

May they experience God's grace and mercy that protects, preserves, and provides for their needs, even amidst any difficulties.

Now, may Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan rise as holy nations, fulfilling the revival of the nations, and advance among all peoples, so that through these nations, the name of Jesus, who is the true refuge and savior, may be proclaimed throughout Central Asia, Afghanistan, and to all nations!