Heavy snowfall closes Ghor, Bamyan highways

BAMYAN CITY/FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Heavy snowfall has blocked key highways in central Bamyan and western Ghor, an official said on Thursday.

Bamyan is connected through the Hajigak Pass and Maidan Wardak province to Kabul. Vehicles travelling through the strategic pass to Kabul cover 175 kilometres and 235 kilometres through the Shibar area.

A driver, Sher Mohammad, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Hajigak route had been closed for the past two days due to heavy snowfall, forcing them to use the Shibar pass.

Shibar district chief Mohammad Azim Farid said the Hajigak pass should be cleared by the ministries of public work and rural rehabilitations. He blamed the government for paying no heed to improving the highway over the past 13 years.

If not cleared, the highway would remain closed until spring when locals would have to clear it themselves, he added. The Hajigak pass usually remains closed for eight months in winters.

On the other hand, the Ghor highway was also closed, losing a key road link with Herat and Kabul provinces. Public Works Director Eng. Khalil Noor said the up to 80 centimeters of snow had closed roads in eight districts and the Kabul highway.

He said district residents would face problems in transporting food other essential materials or patients to hospital if the closure continued. The ministry concerned has asked local councils to clear 600 kilometres of closed roads.

mds/mud

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