PARAKH (Pajhwok): Construction of central prison facilities has officially begun in central Panjshir province at a cost of 116 million afghanis, an official said on Saturday.
Hedayatullah Hemat, head of prison administration, said the facility has been designed in 23 blocks and will include 100 rooms, a mosque, a sports ground, an education centre, classrooms, vocational and industrial sections, carpentry workshops and a detention unit.
According to him, the project has been launched on more than 5.5 acres of land in the Baharak area of Bazarak, the provincial capital.
He said the project is being funded by the General Directorate of Prisons Administration of the Islamic Emirate.
Panjshir Governor Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim welcomed the launch of the project, saying the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has approved and is implementing development projects in line with the province’s needs and challenges.
He described prisons under the IEA as educational centres and places for reform and rehabilitation, adding that many former inmates in Panjshir have reintegrated into society as Qur’an reciters, religious scholars, skilled workers and even athletes.
According to the Panjshir media office, a 13-million-afghani project last year—covering retaining walls, perimeter fencing and prison watchtowers—was completed, while the main phase of construction has now begun this year.
hz/sa
