Traffic system improved in Kabul: official

 KABUL): Road traffic discipline in Kabul has considerably improved after the removal of security barricades and illegal encroachments, a senior official said on Saturday.

“Traffic police are working more than 12 hours a day, no matter if it is snowing, raining or hot weather. They also ask drivers to respect traffic rules,” Traffic Police Department head, Brig. Gen. Nizamuddin Dadkhwah, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He confirmed government officials often violated traffic rules, calling for such people to be booked. He insisted the law should be fully enforced.  He claimed government servants, including high-ranking officials, had been fined for violating traffic rules.

Dadkhwah said the shortage of parking lots, bus stations and rundown condition of roads contributed to traffic snarls in the capital. Roads had not been constructed in line with international standards, he claimed.

“Most of the roads pass through or lie near residential areas and schools, lacking sidewalks and underground passages,” he said.

He suggested improved road conditions and finding a proper place for handcart owners and underground passages to further improve the situation.

But Kabul Municipality rejected Dadkhwah’s claim that city roads did not meet international standards, saying the traffic congestion problem and lack of an appropriate transport system challenged the implementation of its development plan.

Kabul Mayor Mohammad Younis Nawandesh said the Municipality planned to construct four multiple-storey parking facilities in various parts of the capital this year.

mm/ma/mud

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