GARDEZ (Pajhwok):  The Khost-Gardez Highway in southeastern Paktia province will be opened for traffic by the end of this year, officials said on Thursday.
The construction of the 105 kilometers long highway has been delayed for last seven years due to certain reasons.
Eng. Abdullah Durrani, director public health, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 88 km long road had been completed and construction work on the remaining 17 km had been kicked-off.
An Indian construction company had a contract which had recently been awarded to an Afghan Construction Company, he said, adding that government departments, provincial council members and local elders were regularly monitoring the project to ensure quality of work.
Mohammad Rahman Qadri, provincial council secretary, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “We have held several meetings with officials of the company and enquired about the quality of work.”
Qadri said the company officials had assured to complete the construction of the road by the end of this year.
“We have formed a committee for monitoring construction work of the road and the committee is tasked to help resolve issues in the construction process,” the secretary said.
Khost-Gardez Highway would not facilitate only commuters but also play important role in the development of economy of the areas. The highway would also connect Gardez with Ghulam Khan, in neighboring Pakistan.
Nasir Alam Yar, director commerce department, said the highway was 360 km shorter to Karachi port than Torkham-Spin Boldak road. “The drivers can easily reach to Gardez and Kabul after completion of the project which are secure areas,” he remarked.
The public works officials said road construction had been funded by the USAID.
shah/rm