KABUL, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Construction has begun on a major road project in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, with a total investment of more than 526 million afghanis (about 8.25 million U.S. dollars), local officials said Thursday.
Faridon Samim, provincial government spokesman, said the road will extend 29 km, linking Ghazi Abad district of neighboring Kunar province to Kamdesh district of Nuristan. The road will have a width of seven meters.
The project also includes the construction of five major bridges and a number of retaining walls along the route to ensure stability and safety in the mountainous area, the official said.
Funded by the Ministry of Public Works, the road is expected to improve transportation links between the two provinces, facilitate trade and mobility and contribute to economic development in the region. ■
