Residents in north-eastern Afghanistan’s Takhar province say deteriorating roads in several districts have made travel increasingly difficult and costly.
People in the districts of Chah Ab, Darqad and Rustaq say the poor condition of roads linking their areas has worsened over time, causing frequent vehicle damage and delays.
Residents say the damaged roads connect the districts of Chah Ab, Darqad and Rustaq to Taloqan, the provincial capital of Takhar, covering roughly 78 kilometers from Chah Ab to Taloqan, about 72 kilometers from Darqad, and around 51 kilometers from Rustaq.
Locals say poor road conditions along these routes have made travel slower, more dangerous and more expensive for residents, traders and drivers who rely on the roads to reach markets, hospitals and government services in Taloqan.
“Today we were traveling from Taloqan to Khwaja Bahauddin district, but we have not even covered half the distance,” said Abdul Sami, a resident of Takhar. “Our vehicle broke down twice because of the bad road.”
Drivers say the damaged roads have increased their operating costs, as vehicles frequently require repairs and tires are often damaged.
“We travel from Taloqan to Khwaja Bahauddin, and as you can see we face problems all the time,” said driver Jamaluddin. “Vehicles break down and most of the money we earn goes to fuel and repairs.”
Some residents and drivers have called for repairing of the roads, saying the conditions make travel unsafe and create financial hardship for people who depend on the routes for work and transportation.
Local sources say residents have repeatedly asked Taliban officials to rebuild the roads, and they have made promises in the past, but no practical work has begun.
Residents say the lack of repairs continues to pose serious challenges for travel and transportation in the area.
