KABUL: Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi and Kabul-based Italian Ambassador Roberto Canton signed Herat-Chasht e Sharif road construction contract in the presence of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, adding the road is 155 KM long and a part of East-West Corridor Project.
According to details, the contract was signed in a ceremony organized in the Presidential Palace, adding Minister of Public Works Mahmood Baleegh spoke related to economic importance of the road, saying that the 155KM long road goes towards Obai district and that the Salma Dam and marble mine of Chasht-e-Sharif are located along the route. He said that the road will provide economic and transportation facilities to people.
The Minister further said that the road is a part of East-West Corridor Project which connects Herat with Kabul through the central provinces. He added that as soon as the survey is completed, different companies will be contracted for each 30 KMs of construction.
Expressing delight over construction of the road, the Italian Ambassador said that the Government of Italy is happy to finance this project with Euro 92 Million which will play a role in development of Afghanistan. He added that Italy is committed to aiding Afghanistan in regional connectivity through implementation of such huge projects.
Stating support to the Afghan Government on behalf of his country, Roberto promised to help in construction of a new terminal for Herat Airport.
The East-West Corridor Project is 720 KM long, prioritized by Government of Afghanistan which directly contributes to economic development, connectivity and alleviating poverty. Construction of this corridor whose initial assessment and procurement plan have been completed but design and survey are underway, which will take 3 years, the statement concluded.
