French organisation rebuilds historical sites

BAMYAN CITY (PAN): A historical site in central Bamyan province had been partially reconstructed by a French organisation called Ecomus to keep the area’s historical importance intact and attract tourists, an official said on Monday.

Abdul Hameed Jalya, culture and information director for historical sites, said Ecomus had helped reconstruct six historical domes, two towers known as defense trenches and some walls of Ghulghala city.

Jalya told Pajhwok Afghan News financial assistance of more than $1 million was extended by the Italian government to the organisation for the reconstruction of these sites with the support of the information and culture department.

Fifty percent of the historical sites were at risk, Jalya said, adding Ecomus had assured to extend all out support to avoid imminent damage to the sites.

“The reconstruction of historical sites will not reduce looming damage threat to the sties but it will attract tourists” he added.

Bamyan has more than 11 popular historical sites, which attract foreign and local tourists, boosting the local economy to a great extent, he noted.

In the wake of security concerns, the number of tourists decreased by half this year, Jalya acknowledged, hoping the strength of tourists would surge once the construction work on Bamyan Airport was completed.

mds/rm

Visits: 2