GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Following the publication of a Pajhwok report on the slow pace of reconstruction work on the Ghazni-Paktika highway, the governor of Ghazni summoned project officials and directed them to expedite the remaining work.
A few days earlier, Pajhwok Afghan News published a report highlighting delays in the reconstruction of the Ghazni-Paktika highway.
In the report, local residents, drivers and community elders complained that the slow progress had increased travel time, raised vehicle operating costs and negatively affected trade and their daily lives.
Following the report, Ghazni Governor Mullah Wali Jan Hamza called in officials from the Department of Public Works and representatives of the contracting company, stressing the need to accelerate completion of the remaining sections of the road.
Mullah Hamidullah Nisar, head of the Ghazni Information and Culture Department, told Pajhwok that during a meeting chaired by the governor, the contractor was instructed to complete the remaining work within the next two months and prepare the project for inauguration.
He also praised the role of the media in highlighting public concerns.
“We thank the media outlets that professionally convey people’s problems to the authorities. Addressing public concerns is a priority for the Islamic Emirate, and any issue affecting people’s lives is followed up seriously,” he said.
He said completion of the road would facilitate travel between Ghazni, Paktika, Paktia and Khost provinces, speed up the transportation of agricultural produce and commercial goods, and boost economic activity in the region.
Meanwhile, Qiamuddin, a resident of Ghazni City, said the provincial administration’s swift response to Pajhwok’s report had given residents hope.
“We thank Pajhwok for bringing our problems to the attention of the authorities. Now that the governor has taken notice of the issue, we hope the road project will be completed as soon as possible,” he said.
Another resident, Dr. Omar Gul, said highlighting people’s concerns was one of the media’s key responsibilities and that officials’ response to such issues helped strengthen public confidence.
“We thank Pajhwok for highlighting this issue and the provincial authorities for responding to the people’s concerns. We hope the remaining work on the road will be completed within the announced timeframe so that people can be relieved of their current difficulties,” he added.
The reconstruction of the 41-kilometre Ghazni-Paktika road, funded by the Ministry of Public Works at a cost of 145 million afghanis, began in October last year. Local residents say not even 10 percent of the project has been completed so far.
Once completed, the road is expected to improve transport, facilitate trade and strengthen economic links among Afghanistan’s southeastern provinces.
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