Development programmes remain successful: US reps

KABUL‘s zones on Monday said development programmes in the east had been a success despite security threats and other challenges.

Speaking at a joint press conference, the US representatives said the programmes were successfully implemented in areas of good governance, implementation of the constitution, health and infrastructure development in coordination with the private sector.

Paul Folmsbe, a US representative for eastern Afghan zone, said most of the US assistance would be spent by the Afghan government in the future.

Without giving further details, Folmsbe said one billion US dollars (48 billion afghanis) had been allocated for development activities in 14 eastern provinces. He said their efforts at peace, capacity building and good leadership had good results.

Another US representative, Brad Hanson, said the US government planned to open a consulate in western Herat province in the near future. He added the consulate would help speed up development programmes in the areas of health, education and preserving cultural artifacts,.

US representative for northern zone, Andrew Chritton, said a railway project connecting Afghanistan with Uzbekistan would have a good impact on the country’s economy.

He said work at a gas exploration site in northern Sheberghan province was also underway.

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