RASC News Agency: Many residents of remote villages and districts in Zabul Province are expressing frustration over the lack of proper roads in their areas. Dawood, a resident of Siwri District in Zabul, told RASC: “When our children fall ill, what can we do? If we try to reach the city, our sick ones might die before we get there! This problem has persisted for twenty years and remains unsolved.”
Zabul, located in southwestern Afghanistan, has not received significant attention from the Taliban. Another resident of Zabul stated: “If roads are not constructed, it means the government has done nothing for us because roads are our greatest need.” All residents of Zabul are demanding the construction of standard and balanced roads.
It is noteworthy that following the collapse of the Republic in Afghanistan, many access roads from districts to city centers have been opened, which were previously closed due to insecurity during the Republic era. Local sources claim that the Taliban’s focus on reconstruction and road construction is limited to Kabul Province, where millions live, and which serves as the country’s hub, attracting many visitors. This effort, they say, is more about creating a political image and deceiving people rather than genuine development.
The Taliban use road construction for political gain, despite having no real interest in reconstruction. Their expertise lies in war and destruction. In recent news, hundreds have been flogged, and dozens arrested and tortured over the past forty days. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the roads to Herat and Kunduz provinces also require significant reconstruction and maintenance.