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Concerns Grow Over Damage to Infrastructure Amid Fighting

The vulnerability of the nation's infrastructure--especially in provincial capitals-- has raised concerns among Afghan officials and analysts as violence surges across the country. 

A rocket landed last week on Shah Wa Aros Dam in Shakardara district in Kabul. A similar incident occurred at Salma Dam in Herat. Bridges have been destroyed along the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway. The damage to the dams was not heavy but has spurred public officials to call on both the Taliban and government forces to refrain from harming national infrastructure.

“The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority asks the Taliban to avoid harm to national institutions and infrastructure in the ongoing fighting,” said Nizamuddin Khpulwak, spokesman for the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority.

“Infrastructure belongs to the people of Afghanistan regardless of the circumstances,” said Nazir Ahmad Khalil, the deputy head of a council for ground transportation affairs.

Both sides of the war have denied involvement in attacks on the country’s public works. But analysts said both sides need to show caution. 

“The destruction of four small bridges on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway has cost $200,000 to the government,” said Sayed Massoud, an analyst.

Officials noted that billions of dollars have been invested in the country’s infrastructure over the last 20 years during the presence of the US and the international community, and should not be squandered.

“The destruction of infrastructure means burning the future of Afghanistan and leading the people to challenges and calamity,” said Abdul Basir Azimi, former deputy minister of energy and water.

Concerns Grow Over Damage to Infrastructure Amid Fighting

Analysts said both sides of the war should pay attention to the protection of infrastructure.

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The vulnerability of the nation's infrastructure--especially in provincial capitals-- has raised concerns among Afghan officials and analysts as violence surges across the country. 

A rocket landed last week on Shah Wa Aros Dam in Shakardara district in Kabul. A similar incident occurred at Salma Dam in Herat. Bridges have been destroyed along the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway. The damage to the dams was not heavy but has spurred public officials to call on both the Taliban and government forces to refrain from harming national infrastructure.

“The National Water Affairs Regulation Authority asks the Taliban to avoid harm to national institutions and infrastructure in the ongoing fighting,” said Nizamuddin Khpulwak, spokesman for the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority.

“Infrastructure belongs to the people of Afghanistan regardless of the circumstances,” said Nazir Ahmad Khalil, the deputy head of a council for ground transportation affairs.

Both sides of the war have denied involvement in attacks on the country’s public works. But analysts said both sides need to show caution. 

“The destruction of four small bridges on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway has cost $200,000 to the government,” said Sayed Massoud, an analyst.

Officials noted that billions of dollars have been invested in the country’s infrastructure over the last 20 years during the presence of the US and the international community, and should not be squandered.

“The destruction of infrastructure means burning the future of Afghanistan and leading the people to challenges and calamity,” said Abdul Basir Azimi, former deputy minister of energy and water.

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