Work on Grishk-Lashkargah road launched

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Construction work on a 31.6-km Grishk-Lashkargah road was launched in southern Helmand province, officials said on Friday.

The 31.6 kilometres long and seven metres wide road would be constructed in two years at a cost of $34 million funded by the World Bank (WB), the deputy public works minister told reporters.

An Afghan and a Chinese firms would implement the project while the government would closely monitor the construction activities of the road, he said adding 300 villages would be connected with Grishk and Nad Ali districts and also the provincial capital, Lashkargah.

During the project launch ceremony, the commander of 505th police zone, Gen. Esmatullah Daulatzai, who is also acting governor of Helmand, said they would properly keep the security of the road construction scheme.

People say that out of 31 kilomentre long road, one kilometre area is in government control while the rest of the area is with Taliban fighters.

Head of Nad Ali district council, Mohammad Nabi Olfat, said the implementing companies should reach an agreement with Taliban before commencing work on the road.

myn