Report: Japan to help Afghanistan maintain its highways

The government of Japan will purchase 106 road construction vehicles and equipment worth $30 million to help Afghanistan maintain its main highways, according to a report today from Khaama Press. The equipment, which will also include snow clearing machines will go to the Afghan Pubic Works Ministry. The snow clearing machines will be very helpful in keeping the Bamiyan-Daikundi and Ghazni-Ghor highways open during the winter months. These roads are typically closed due to the heavy snowfalls. Japan’s generous offer will also help to resolve issues at the Salang Tunnel, where dozen of people die every year due to accidents because of the heavy snowfall. According the report, the government of Japan has so far invested $4 billion towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan. They have helped build numerous roads and schools in Afghanistan since 2001.