KABUL, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's procurement commission has approved 16 major development projects valued at 7 billion afghanis (more than 107 million U.S. dollars) to strengthen the country's infrastructure, the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs said late Wednesday.
The approved initiatives include concrete paving of the parking area at the Islam Qala Border Customs in Herat, road asphalting in multiple provinces, expansion of water supply networks, construction of a terminal, the building of general hospitals in four provinces, and a range of other essential infrastructure works.
All projects will be fully financed from the Afghan government's domestic budget.
Officials said the schemes are expected to generate significant economic benefits by enhancing public services and creating much-needed employment opportunities for local communities as the nation continues its gradual recovery from decades of conflict and economic hardship.
The decision underscores the Afghan government's sustained efforts to rebuild war-damaged infrastructure and stimulate economic activity through self-funded development programs. ■