GARDEZ (PAN): A development programme has been launched in the Ahmadabad district of southeastern Paktia province, but residents complain the initiative is of no tangible value.
The Stability Programme envisages public welfare projects that are implemented by the regional councils formed under the National Solidarity Programme (NSP).
A tribal elder from Ahmadabad, Musa Jan, hailed the plan as beneficial, hoping people’s problems would be resolved with implementation of the uplift programme in the town.
Launched two year back in Paktia, the programme was gradually extended to districts, including Zurmat, Wazi Zadran, Ahmadkhel and Laja Mangal. Now it is being enforced in Ahmadabad.
But residents grumble the development effort has been snail-paced, failing to carry out projects that could address basic needs of the people.
An elder from Zurmat, Abdur Rahman, said: “There has been talks of uplift schemes over the past few months, but we have seen nothing so far on the ground that could perceptibly change our lives.”
On the other hand, Rural Development & Rehabilitation Director Abdur Rahman Rahmani linked the delay in executing the Stability Programme to a public awareness drive about projects for different areas.
He added the programme was being implemented at a good clip in Zurmat and Wazi Zadran, where 43 public welfare schemes would be launched in the near future.
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