Uplift schemes launched in war-torn Batikot district

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Work on several development projects in the war-hit Batikot district of eastern Nangarhar has been launched, an official said on Monday.

Education and Rural Development Departments began work on the projects, including 21 schools, agriculture promotion, rural uplift programmes and other schems.

The foundation stone of the projects was laid during a trip of some directors of the depatments concerned on Monday. Residents welcomed the uplift projects and demanded security.

Fazal Rabi Rahim, head of the sectorial ministries, told Pajhwok Afghan News the projects had been initiated in line with President Ashraf Ghani’s promise during his trip to Nangarhar.

The projects included the construction of 21 schools, asphalting of a 14 kilometres road, 1,200 retaining walls and 24 wells, which would be completed in coming months.

Rural Development Director Mujeeb Rahman Zia said the projects were being executed under the citzen charter programme.

He added the construction of schools was part of the Education Department’s Iqra programme, which would benefit thousands of children.

Education Director Haseebullah Shinwari said besides the construction of schools this year a women teahers’ training centre would also be set up. Distribution of plots to teachers will also begin.

Residents of the locality, happy over the launche of the uplift projects, said security was their primary demand.

Malak Mohammad, a tribal elder, said residents needed more uplift projects in areas of agriculture, health and education.

He also asked the government to work on improving security in the district near the Pakistan border.

Earlier, Govenror Shah Mahmood Miakhel, during a tirp to Batikot, had pledged the launch of uplift scehems.

nh/mud

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