GHAZNI CITY (PAN): Governor Musa Khan Akbarzada on Tuesday said key development projects would be launched in southern Ghazni province soon after the Wolesi Jirga approved the annual budget.
Basic preparations for the schemes had already been completed and work was expected to start by April 20, Akbarzada during an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News.
The projects include the construction of a proposed Islamic cultural centre, a mosque, a covered bazaar, a gymnasium, a guesthouse, an airport, a five-star hotel and two 27 storey-buildings and others.
He said more than 2,000 people would find work opportunities on the $30 million (1.4 billion afghanis) projects. A 40-kilometre road would be asphalted by the end of the current year, he added.
$10 million would be provided by the central government, $7 million by the Polish provincial reconstruction team (PRT) and $3 million by the US, he explained, criticising the Ministry of Finance for failing to have the budget approved by Parliament in time.
In 2010, President Hamid Karzai sanctioned $10 million for the development of Ghazni, but the fund was yet to be released, the governor deplored.
He promised that 80 percent of the projects could be completed ahead of 2013 if the central government released funds to Ghazni, which was declared the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007.
The provincial capital, Ghazni City, was selected to serve as the Asian capital of the Islamic civilisation for 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation at a conference in Tripoli in 2007.
To host the event, a preparatory commission comprised of officials from different ministries  was established the same year. Later, the Cabinet decided to include provincial department officials in the panel, led by the governor.
Information and Culture Director Hamidullah Sarwari said the commission had been helpful in carrying forward the process. 
Meanwhile, a three-day exhibition showcasing women’s handicrafts was inaugurated in Ghazni City. Sponsored by the US, about 30 women have displayed their handicrafts at the show.
“The aim is to highlight the ability of Afghan women to the world and develop their economy,” Women’s Affairs Director Shukria Wali said, adding the event would help women find market for their products.
An organiser, Jilani, said the exhibition cost $45,000 provided by the US government. “Such exhibitions will be arranged in the future as well to give women in districts and the capital city a chance to display their handicrafts.”