Promises to rebuild Paktia roads yet to be honoured

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Some residents of southeastern Paktika province complain repeated pledgesby the government to reconstructroads in the province have not been honoured, with people facingserious problems.

Construction and rehabilitation work on the Gardez-Ghazni, Zamkani-Janikhel, ZazaiAryub-Gardez-Patan and other important roads was to begin last spring but there is no sign yet of the projects taking off the ground.

Amanullah Ahmadzai, a resident of Gardez, the provincial capital, said the reconstruction of vital roads across Paktia was often promised but practical had not been undertaken so far.

Ahmadzai said the lousy condition of roadscaused them huge problems. The sick people could not be transported to hospital in time, he grumbled.

“We assured the construction company of complete security. They pledged initiating the projects soon, but work is yet to begin.

“We also staged a rally and the company promised again initiating work in three weeks. But the road construction has not begun so far,” he said, adding they would block all roads if work on their construction di not kick off.

Hameedullah, hailing from Janikhel district, demanded the construction of the Chamkani-Janikhel road, which is considered vital to reducing the gap between the government and the people.

This road is not suitable for driving, but there is no option. People have been facing difficulties. The government gave empty pledges and never implemented their promises.

Mohammad Yousuf, a driver on the Gardez-Patan Road, said they could not reach their destination in time due to dilapidated roads.

Public Works Director Abdullah Durrani said the bidding process for theGardez-Ghazni road would be conducted anew and work on the important highway would start soon.

The 199 million afghanis rehabilitation of the Gardez-Patan road was recently launched by the Ministry of Public Works but due to interference from powerful individuals, the projects has been halted.

It is worth noting that the reconstruction of vital Paktia roads would contribute to the security of restive border province.

nh/mud