Residents of Khak-e-Afghan district in Afghanistan’s southern Zabul province say poor road conditions on a key highway linking the area to neighbouring Ghazni and Uruzgan provinces have made travel especially difficult during the winter.
The road, which begins in Shajoy district of Zabul and runs through Arghandab, Khak-e-Afghan, Jaghori and Malistan districts of Ghazni, as well as parts of Uruzgan, is a major transport route for local communities.
Residents of Balindak village in Khak-e-Afghan said the deteriorating condition of the highway has disrupted daily life and posed serious risks to patients and travellers.
“This route takes about five hours, and the road is in very bad condition,” said Syed Abdullah, a local resident. “Elderly people and patients suffer a lot. People are in serious difficulty.”
Others said the problems worsen in winter, when mud and weather conditions further restrict movement.
“Uruzgan province relies heavily on this road, and districts like Jaghori and Malistan also use it during winter,” said Ghulam Hazrat, another resident. “People face many hardships, especially in the cold season.”
Residents have called on authorities to prioritise repairs, warning that the poor road conditions could be life-threatening in emergencies.
“This is the main road for everyone,” said Gul Ahmad, a local resident. “It is badly damaged, and we want it rebuilt as soon as possible.”
The highway’s condition has not only slowed routine travel but also increased risks for patients needing urgent medical care, residents said.
