Press Release

Jawzjan Province Inaugurates Faizabad Connector Road

JAWZJAN, AFGHANISTAN  | Thursday, July 26, 2007

On July 18, 2007, the recently completed Faizabad Connector Road was inaugurated by Parliamentarian Fahima Sadat.  Funded by USAID and implemented by UNOPS via local firm Asian Atlas Construction and Engineering Network, this road strengthens the link between the Faizabad District Center and the Mazar-e Sharif to Shiberghan highway. 

Approximately 31,500 residents of the Faizabad District frequently visit the District Center and depend on the road services to meet their daily needs.  With the new road, residents gain improved access to the main Mazar-Shiberghan highway, increasing their access to market facilities and other socio-economic benefits located in the cities and settlements along the highway.  This 1.8 km paved road also decreases health and sanitation risks by reducing dust and mud.

The construction of this road has already contributed significantly to development of the area as confirmed by the recent emergence of two major private sector Afghan telecommunications companies, AWCC and Arriba.  The UNOPS Community Development Program facilitated the expansion of the international ngo BRAC (Bangladeshi Rural Advancement Committee) to initiate much-needed micro-finance projects aimed at developing small businesses in the area.  There are also immediate plans for construction of new houses, shops, and settlements along the Faizabad Connector Road.

Victoria Longo, UNOPS Community Development Officer, praised the community for their involvement and leadership in this project.  She noted that the project generated 3200 hours of employment for the community, injecting income into the district.

According to Terry Kramer, manager of the roads program at USAID, this road is just one of many USAID projects in the area.  Since 2002, USAID has contributed $26 million to Jawzjan and $21 million to Balkh and will triple that amount in the coming year due to the good performance of the provinces in remaining poppy-free.  Upcoming projects include an increase in commercial farming, food processing and packaging capabilities, and training farmers in agri-business and sustainable farming.