Projects worth $16m in the pipeline

KABUL (Pajhwok): Construction of roads, bridges and maintenance of such facilities casting $16 million would be carried out in nine provinces, the Ministry of Public Works said on Monday.

The World Bank (WB)-funded projects would be carried out and executed by some private construction firms under an agreement signed with Minister Najibullah Ojhan in Kabul.

The minister told reporters the projects included a bridge in eastern Nuristan province, the construction of 26 kilometers of roads in southwestern Nimroz and maintenance of more than 30 kilometers of roads in central Daikundi province.

Graveling and construction of several roads in Baghlan and two bridges in Khost and Kapisa provinces and reconstruction of the Kabul Railways Office building were part of the projects.

He added “We’re trying to initiate practical work on the projects as soon as possible because the schemes would create jobs and benefit many people.”

He said the ministry had so far constructed and repaired 11,000 km of roads and 4,000 meters bridges, engaging many villagers on the projects.

The minister also said a law on standard axel weight had been approved to protect highways from being damaged due to overload, saying violators would be tried and fined.

He said his ministry would seriously implement the law and owners of heavy vehicles had been given a month-long ultimatum.

mrh/ma

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