Speech by His Excellency Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the overpass in front of the Kabul Governor’s Office

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Respected leadership of Kabul Municipality, esteemed officials of various Emirate institutions, media representatives, guests, and all attendees:
Peace and blessings of Allah  be upon you.

It is a great pleasure to participate today in Kabul City in the ceremony marking the commencement of construction of an essential overpass.

First of all, I extend my sincere congratulations to all residents of Kabul on the initiation of this important project.

Esteemed attendees!

This overpass, to be constructed in front of Kabul Governor’s Office, is being built by Kabul Municipality at a cost of 400 million Afghanis, with a width of 18 meters and a length of 273 meters. It will play a very important role in reducing traffic congestion and improving urban order in Kabul City.

Considering population density and the volume of economic activities, urban development, transport infrastructure, and urban order are regarded as very important and fundamental requirements of the modern era.

On the one hand, Kabul is a densely populated city, and on the other hand, as the capital of the country, its development and urban order were not adequately addressed by previous governing systems through a strategic and modern urban plan. Unfortunately, this city has been inherited by the Islamic Emirate as an unplanned city.

In view of the current condition of Kabul City, it is essential that the city be developed in a modern manner based on an organized urban plan. Urban order, public transportation, installation and observance of traffic signals, and the promotion of urban culture are among the pressing needs of Kabul City.

Fortunately, with an understanding of these needs, Kabul Municipality has carried out remarkable work in a very short time in the areas of transportation and urban order. Major public roads have been cleared of encroachments, unnecessary obstacles have been removed, the network of internal city roads has been expanded, construction of overpasses is underway, roads have been rehabilitated, new roads have been constructed, and important projects are still ongoing in various parts of the city.

I commend the leadership of Kabul Municipality for their valuable services and necessary actions, and I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant them further success in serving.

Respected residents of Kabul!

You are aware that Kabul is the capital of the country and that many foreigners travel to Kabul. If the city is disorganized, if residents do not observe urban culture, if the city is unclean, and if congestion increases due to disorder, foreigners will naturally carry with them a weak impression of Afghan culture.

Therefore, I request each of you to fulfill your individual responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness and order of the city, to consider the city as your own, and to support infrastructure projects within the city.

Finally, I strongly urge the respected engineers of the project to complete this important project properly, taking into account all relevant standards.

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.