The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has announced that work on the second section of the first phase of the New Kabul project in Deh Sabz is currently underway, with 25% completion so far.
Kamal Afghan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, told TOLOnews that the estimated cost of constructing the first phase of this project is $6.5 billion.
According to Afghan, investors from Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran have expressed interest in the construction of this major project.
Kamal Afghan told TOLOnews: “Currently, thank God, work is ongoing in the second section of the first phase. The practical work of this project has progressed 25% by a private company, and every day, officials from our ministry monitor the work to ensure that fundamental tasks proceed according to the plan.”
The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has described the New Kabul project as one of the largest projects in the country and has stated that its implementation is a priority for the Islamic Emirate.
The New Kabul project, covering an area of 740 square kilometers north of Kabul, has the capacity to accommodate 3 million people.
Some workers on the New Kabul project are pleased with the job opportunities provided and have stated that undertaking job-creating projects in any part of the country can have a positive impact on the national economy.
Saifullah, a worker on the New Kabul project, said: “We’ve been working here for almost a year, and we are happy to earn a halal livelihood for our families.”
Abdul Mubin, another worker, said: “Regarding New Kabul, we are also happy for our fellow citizens who will come here, obtain plots, and get blocks. We are pleased.”
Meanwhile, officials from the contracting company for the New Kabul project told TOLOnews that currently, around 600 people have been provided with jobs in the first phase.
Sayed Moqadam Amin, the head of the contracting company for the New Kabul project, said: “Work is actively ongoing on roads and water supply in three directions, sections A, B, and C. Every day, over 600 people are engaged in work with heavy and light machinery.”
Shakir Yaqoubi, an expert in economic affairs, said: “The more this project is implemented according to standards, the more likely it is to succeed and be accepted by the donors, which could lead to increased assistance in the project’s implementation.”
According to information from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the New Kabul project is one and a half times larger than the current city of Kabul.
The project plan was designed during the presidency of Hamid Karzai in cooperation with a Japanese company and includes the areas of Deh Sabz, Kalakan, Shakardara, Qarabagh, Istalif, and part of Bagram district.