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Afghans Celebrate Phase I Completion of Kabul to Kandahar Highway
President Bush's Commitment Will Help Afghans Achieve Major Milestone
Leading to Economic Growth and Safer Movement of Population
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2003
Contact: USAID Press Office
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - Afghanistan Interim President Hamid Karzai, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and the Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Andrew S. Natsios, today officially opened the Phase I reconstruction of the 482-kilometer (300-mile) Kabul to Kandahar highway. This key portion of Afghanistan's national road system (also known as the "Ring Road") links its two largest cities and economic centers. The paving has already led to significant reductions in travel times, increased economic opportunities for Afghans living in proximity to the road, and has accelerated de-mining efforts allowing safe passage within this heavily traveled transportation corridor (For more information, please see the USAID Phase 1: Kabul to Kandahar Highway Fact Sheet).
Of 20.6 million Afghans, 13.6 million or 66 percent -- live within 50 kilometers of the Nation's Ring Road. Approximately 35 percent of the population lives within 50 kilometers of the Kabul to Kandahar portion of the Ring Road.
The paving completion, achieved ahead of schedule despite major logistical and security obstacles (and accomplished in record time compared to other road projects), fulfills President Bush's pledge to Afghanistan President Karzai. It represents a significant international effort undertaken by the U.S., Japan, Turkey, and India, with future participation expected with the Government of Saudi Arabia. Afghans have partnered with companies from these nations in the exhaustive rebuilding effort, which was undertaken by U.S. contractor, Louis Berger. Louis Berger was awarded a USAID contract in September, 2002.
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, a participant in the opening ceremony, said, "Today, we are celebrating completion of the first phase of the Kabul to Kandahar highway - a down payment on the international community's commitment to Afghanistan's economic reconstruction. This highway will help unite the Afghan people, providing a tangible symbol of the democratic political system they are now building."
U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Andrew S. Natsios stated: "This road is about more than just transportation; it is a symbol of the tremendous commitment of the American people, as expressed by President Bush, to the people of Afghanistan to help them rebuild a war-torn nation. The personal and professional sacrifices of citizens from many nations made this achievement possible. These selfless efforts are helping Afghans to realize their potential."
U.S. government support to Afghanistan in the last two years has totaled more than $1.7 billion dollars. Recently, Congress appropriated an additional $1.2 billion to accelerate Afghanistan reconstruction efforts. Approximately $190 million has been spent to date on the Kabul to Kandahar highway segment and an estimated total of $270 million will be spent on the Ring Road project upon completion.
In addition to paving the Kabul to Kandahar highway, the U.S. Government has also rehabilitated the Salang Tunnel, which connects many of Afghanistan's major cities in the north. This project has cut more than two-and-a-half days off the usual travel time. In addition, more than 1,000 kilometers of rural roads are about to be rehabilitated or constructed. Rehabilitation of the Kabul to Kandahar Highway is expected to lead to increased access to health clinics and hospitals, schools, while also providing farmers and businesses with greater opportunities to move their products and services to market.
Phase II of the project, subject to weather conditions, will begin in the spring of 2004 and will entail the laying of asphalt, shoulders and road signage. This work is programmed to be completed by the fall of 2004. In addition, reconstruction of the Kandahar to Herat Highway project, which is 566 km (351 miles) in length, is also expected to begin in spring, 2004.
To date, the Kabul to Kandahar Highway project has employed over 2,000 Afghan construction personnel. In addition, a U.S.-funded Ministry of Interior initiative has provided for a large security force along the road to protect construction workers and those using the route.
A little more than a year ago, this road was a broken strip -- mined, bombed, and pockmarked by neglect. Today a modern thoroughfare connects Kabul and Kandahar and the people of Afghanistan are now on their road to success.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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