KABUL, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have begun construction of a major road in Helmand province at a cost of 575 million afghanis (nearly 8 million U.S. dollars), local media outlet Tolo News reported Friday.
The 26.5-kilometer road will connect mountainous and underdeveloped northern districts to the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, the report said.
The project is expected to create local jobs during its construction and enhance access to healthcare, education, and other public services for remote communities.
In a related development, Afghan authorities recently completed a road project in southern Kandahar province in just three months, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen regional infrastructure and support economic growth. ■