Press Release

New Airport Construction to Strengthen Helmand Province

USAID Supports the Development of the Lashkar Gah Bost Airport

Helmand Province, Afghanistan | Sunday, August 03, 2008

The Afghanistan Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation H.E. Hamidullah Qaderi; The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock H.E. Obaidullah Ramin; along with Governor Gulab Mangal and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Dell, broke ground today on a civilian airfield in Helmand Province. This project will bolster Helmand Province’s capacity to fly air freight as well as civilian passengers to the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah.

The implementation of the Master Plan for the Lashkar Gah Bost Airport, recently endorsed by the Afghan Government, will produce a fully functioning facility that better caters to existing traffic and will produce a firm foundation for subsequent civil aviation development. The project is being financed jointly by USAID and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. USAID will fund a 30 meter wide, 2,200 meter asphalt runway built to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards plus terminal, car park, and perimeter fencing works. The Ministry will install ground to air communications, landing lights, and additional apron aircraft parking.

“Reliable air transportation for both cargo and civilians is a critical component of developing Helmand Province’s economy,” said Governor Mangal. “This project sets the foundation for improved access to markets and the transport of largess for the people of Helmand and for those wishing to do business in the province.”

This Lashkar Gah Bost Airport is just one of the projects being implemented by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and USAID in Helmand Province to improve the licit income opportunities and well-being of thousands of southern rural families by integrating them into a growing regional economy.

Learn more: Alternative Development | Infrastructure

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