Zaranj-Dilaram road in need of reconstruction

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Residents of southwestern Nimroz province have complained of the deteriorated condition of the Zaranj-Dilaram road, with the Public Works Department saying its reconstruction will start soon.

Mohammad Sediq, a resident of the province and a passenger coach driver, said the road had become dangerous due to its lousy condition. He linked the damage to the past conflict.

Sediq, who is still hospitalised after meeting a traffic accident, said: “Landmine blasts have destroyed many parts of the highway, contributing to frequent mishaps.”

In the past, he recalled, passengers took up to six hours traveling from Zaranj to Herat or Kandahar. But now this commute takes at least nine hours.

Arif Haidari, another driver, said: “We are forced to swerve off the road all too often due to potholes and drive our vehicles down unpaved walkways.”

He said matters with the Safa Construction Company, which was awarded the contract for building the road during past government, had been resolved.

He explained the reconstruction project would be implemented by a different firm under an assessment because the Safa Company had sought a huge price. Subsequently, its bid was rejected by the authorities.

nh/mud

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