50 road-building projects stalled due to elections deadlock

Afghan Public Works Ministry said the prolonged elections process and the increasing security problems in the country have resulted in the stoppage of fifty road-building projects in the country.

Addressing the Lower House of the Parliament on Saturday, Public Works Minister said planned road-building projects could not be implemented due to absence of sufficient budget.

“Elections impasse has had a direct, adverse impact on our country’s economy and security. Today, 50 of our projects are stalled due to the political uncertainty,” said Najibullah Awzhan.

He added work on other 60 projects was also close to being stalled.

People have repeatedly criticized the Ministry for poor quality of the roads and their deterioration soon after they are built.

The Minister was summoned by the Parliament after his Ministry reported about the escape of a Turkish-American firm with USD 107mn from Afghanistan.

A number of the Parliamentarians accused the Ministry of irresponsibility and negligence and called for investigation of the case by the Attorney General.

According to the Minister,  the foreign firm is not going to return the money. He said earlier this week that the firm had demanded USD 10mn from the Afghan government for failing to provide security for the firm’s employees.