In Afghanistan, today, the first step in the construction of the new road linking Tarin Kowt and Chora was marked at a tape-cutting ceremony. Uruzgan governor Asadullah Hamdam and Gert Both, representing the German development organisation GTZ, did the honours.

The two men predicted that the road will play a major role in Uruzgan’s development. ‘Roads are key to the development of Afghanistan. Worldwide, they account for 90% of freight transport. In Afghanistan, this will be 100%,’ Mr Both said.

Mr Both emphasised how important it was for Uruzgan to be linked with the other provinces. With improved access, Uruzgan will be able to recruit skilled administrators more easily. Provided there are no major delays, the 40-kilometre road will be finished by the end of next year.

The road works are financed by the Dutch government and supervised by GTZ. The Afghan contractor building the road is hiring as many local workers as possible, so that the project will directly benefit the local economy.

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