US$2.7 Million Grant to Prepare Priority Road Projects in Afghanistan

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - A US$2.7 million grant will prepare a series of high-priority road improvement projects in Afghanistan.

As the rehabilitation of regional highways nears completion, the Government has made its next priority rehabilitating national highways and provincial roads to provide people in the hinterland with better access to the center of the country.

A road master plan, developed with ADB assistance, sets out the second phase of priority improvements.

“Reestablishing Afghanistan’s road network should provide remote provinces with better access to basic social services, heighten security, and involve the whole population in nation-building activities,” says Dong-Soo Pyo, an ADB Principal Financial Specialist.

The grant will strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Public Works for road sector management. It will also strengthen the road construction department of Kabul Polytechnic University to ensure a stable supply of qualified engineers and develop a new program where staff will be seconded to local construction companies to gain experience in project management and procurement.

The grant will also strengthen the Ministry of Transport’s ability to regulate road transport services. After decades of conflict, the government agency has become powerless, and its staff and their relevant skills have become depleted.

“With improved road accessibility and the growing number of vehicles, the importance of road transport regulation looms large,” adds Mr. Pyo.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.82 million. The Government will contribute $120,000 in the form of staff and office accommodation. The project will be carried out over about 12 months.

About ADB