Helmand promoted into grade-A province

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Southern Helmand province has been promoted into grade-A province in compliance with a presidential decree and a Cabinet decision, the governor has announced.

The province’s promotion was celebrated a day earlier at a gathering held in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, where a music show enthralled the participants.

Governor Mohammad Naeem told the gathering that Helmand sustained a fast-paced development for the last several years and the first-grade status had been a long-standing demand of the people.

The promotion from the earlier grade 3 would help Helmand avail more from the centre in term of facilities which would subsequently help address people’s problems, he said.

However, he said the Wolesi Jirga or the lower house of parliament had not yet approved the new grade to the province.

Fazal Bari Fayaz, the peace committee member and deputy provincial council head, said Helmand as an agriculture province contributed ten percent to the country’s gross domestic production.

He said the latest development would help develop the province but demanded more focus from the government on the establishment of educational institutes, hospitals and the implementation of other development projects in Helmand.

Haji Nadir Khan, a local elder, expressing his satisfaction with the province’s promotion, thanked President Karzai and his Cabinet.

rm/ma