Orgun-Barmal highway being rebuilt

SHARAN (Pajhwok): The public works director of southeastern Paktika province said on Friday the Orgun-Barmal highway would be rebuilt.

Eng. Hafizullah Zazai told Pajhwok Afghan News the 50-kilometre highway would be reconstructed. Along with a technical team, he visited Orgun district to assess the situation.

Funding for project, he said, would be provided by the Ministry of Public Works. He did not say how much the scheme would cost but reiterated the road was built two years ago.

But the use of substandard material took a heavy toll on its quality. He vowed to personally oversee the road’s reconstruction and no one would be allowed to use low-quality material.

“The Asian Development Bank (ADB) had also allocated some funds for the project but work could not be initiated due to the persistent electoral standoff,” he added.

A contract, he said, had been awarded to a construction firm some months back but the company did not measure up to the standards set by the ministry. Subsequently, the contract was cancelled.

Three construction companies had qualified to take part in the bidding process, he said, promising the contract would be awarded to the winner.

rm/mud

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