Unattended Herat heritage sites face extinction: official

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Several historic sites and monuments in western Herat province face ‘extinction’ due to government’s negligence, an official said on Wednesday.

Arya Raufiyan, the provincial information and culture department head, told a press conference here that historic monuments in Herat were in perilous condition and the entire heritage needed immediate rehabilitation.

“All minarets at Musalla Complex, especially the fifth tower are on the verge of collapse and if the required attention is not paid, they will soon collapse.”

Raufiyan said he had many times informed the Ministry of Information and Culture and UESCO about the fragile situation of the minarets, but to no avail.

“Herat is known for its hundreds of historic sites and monuments, but the government has never paid heed to conserving these buildings.”

He also reported about the shortage of needed facilities and equipment with the Herat information and culture department for registering historic sites.

The governor’s spokesman, Jilani Farhad, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the central government should increase budget for the provincial department to preserve and maintain heritage sites.

A few days back, Herat Mayor Waheed Qatali voiced concern about construction of substandard buildings near historic sites.

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