KABUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have commenced the asphalting of a key road in northern Balkh province in a move designed to strengthen infrastructure and spur economic activity, the official Bakhtar News Agency reported on Tuesday.
The project, located in the Siagard region of Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital, carries an estimated cost of 80 million afghanis (more than 1.22 million U.S. dollars) and is planned for completion within six months, according to the report.
Once finished, the upgraded roadway is expected to significantly improve transportation links, facilitate market access for locally produced agricultural goods, and enhance connectivity for rural communities.
The initiative forms part of the Afghan government's wider program to expand road networks and rehabilitate physical infrastructure across the war-ravaged country. ■