BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (April 7, 2009) — More than 5,000 Panjshir residents gathered in Safied Shahir Village, Khenj District, March 30 to celebrate the ground breaking for the road to Badakshan.

This $28 million project, funded by the Provincial Reconstruction Team will cover 70 kilometers, 43.5 miles, of rough terrain through the Panjshir Valley up to Badakshan Province. The road boasts a 12 centimeter thickness, is nine meters wide, and is able to support heavy equipment carriers and traffic.

“I think you will see that over the next several years, Panjshir will become the best place in Afghanistan to visit because of this road,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team commander, who said he believes road development will lead to private investment in the area.

Panjshir Governor Haji Bahlol praised the PRT for the amount of work done, as well as the resulting improvements the road will make to the quality of life for people living in the area.

“In the future, the road is going to enable the private investor to come here because we have such great security.  Investment will create more jobs, and residents now going to Kabul to work will be able to stay in their valley and still have a job,” said Bahlol.

“What I have promised I have done for you.  For four years I have been your governor, and when I first came here I promised you I would build a road through here, and I have done it.” 

Five Mullahs spoke of the good that the road will bring to Khenj District.

“Giving of your land will be good for future commerce,” said Mullah Ahulaw Jillani, who also thanked the contractors for the good job they are doing for the people of Khenj.