GARDEZ (PAN): A newly-constructed building for the Department of Statistics was inaugurated in southeastern Paktia province on Monday, an official said.

Costing 5,160,000 afghanis ($104,793), the project took four months to complete, Statistics Director Sirajuddin told Pajhwok Afghan News. The building constructed by an Afghani firm has new equipment.

He said: "We have asked the Japan embassy to equip the building with internet and other facilities." The department previously operated in a rented house.

mm/mud