Daikundi residents complain about lack of regular transport system

NEILI CITY (Pajhwok): Residents of some districts of central Daikundi province say they are facing serious problems due to the lack of a regular transport system.

With the onset of winter, the lack of transport issue takes a turn for the worst and people could not take their patients to health centers, they say.

Qudratullah, a resident of Sang Takht district, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “When we intend to travel, we face serious problems. We need to wait until the driver completes his passengers for his vehicle, which takes days.”

He said passengers often reached their destinations later than the scheduled time.

“This issue becomes more serious in winter season, no one can reach his destination on time, due to such problems and the blockade of roads, sick people die on the way,” he added.

These residents urged the government to create a regular transportation system and task at least two vehicles with getting passengers from populated areas on a daily basis.

Ihsan, a resident of Patu district, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the district residents had long been struggling with the lack of proper transport services.

“Patu district is a short drive away from Neili, but passengers must wait for hours until a mini buss is full,” he added.

Ihsan said the drivers also charged higher fares due to the rundown condition of the roads. He said some people used motorcycles as an alternative option except winter season.

Asif Hamdard, who has been driving since last 10 years, said the lack of proper transport was a common phenomenon of all parts of Daikundi province. “The only cars that ply the roads are flying coaches because the residents live in small scattered pockets and passengers are not found easily”.

“The roads are damaged, fuel is expensive and passengers are less, we cannot make enough money,” Hamdard added.

Land Transport Department officials say they monitor all issues of land transport and fares in coordination with other representatives of districts.

Jamaluddin Irshad, the head of Land Transport Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News all districts’ representatives were active, but due to the lack of passengers and bad condition of roads, sometimes the trips were not regular.

“The drivers sometimes need more time to complete the number of passengers in some districts,” Irshad added.

aw/ma