KABUL, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities commenced construction of a strategic road in the eastern province of Paktika on Saturday, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works reported on Sunday.
The project, fully funded from the national budget at a cost of 560 million afghanis (more than 8.8 million U.S. dollars), is expected to be completed within 22 months, according to ministry spokesman Mohammad Ashraf Haqshinas.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to significantly improve transportation links between multiple districts in the province. The route also connects to Pakistan via the Angoor Ada border crossing, creating greater opportunities for expanding trade, facilitating transit, and advancing regional economic activities and cross-border commercial development, Haqshinas added. ■
