KABUL, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A water supply network has been inaugurated in western Afghanistan's Ghor province following the completion of its construction, the provincial Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development said in a statement on Monday.

This photo taken on May 24, 2023 shows the flood-affected area in Ghor province, Afghanistan. (File photo: Xinhua)

Built at a cost of more than 26.4 million afghanis (over 423,000 U.S. dollars), the network is expected to benefit 1,022 families in Firoz Koah city, the provincial capital, and adjoining districts, according to the statement.

Earlier, construction began on six water supply networks in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni and Paktia provinces, the ministry announced on Saturday.

Afghanistan has faced persistent drought conditions in recent years, with residents of major cities, including the capital Kabul, experiencing severe shortages of water. These projects are intended to alleviate pressure on affected communities and improve public health.