Badakhshan road blockades jack up prices

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): The dilapidated condition of roads that link border districts with the capital of northeastern Badakhshan province has resulted in increased prices of food items, an official said on Saturday.

Public Works Director Abdul Ghani told Pajhwok Afghan News that they could not initiate reconstruction work on the roads due to threats posed by insurgents.

Residents say militants deliberately destroyed roads and blew up bridges to cut off Ishkashim, Shaghnan, Zibak and Wakhan districts from Faizabad, the provincial capital.

Deputy police chief, Col. Abdul Qadir, said security forces would restore the government’s write in the areas so that rehabilitation work on roads and bridges could be launched.

Abdul Hai, a shopkeeper, said earlier the price of seven kilograms of flour was 200 afghanis, but after road blockades, the price had increased to 230 afs.

The price of 18 litres of cooking oil had jumped from the previous 1,600 afs to 1,850 afs, he said, urging the authorities to lift the blockades.

Residents say if the transportation system is not restored, the prices of necessary items will jump further.

nh/ma/mud

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