Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2006. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Afghanistan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on the Kandahar to Herat highway in Afghanistan; what the estimated completion date is; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Construction work for the Kandahar to Herat highway is 80 per cent. complete. The remaining section has been put on hold due to security concerns.USAID, Saudi Arabia and Japan funded the construction of this road, dividing the construction into their own segments. Construction work started in 2003. USAID provided $163 million for a 326 km section form Herat to Dilaram which is now complete. Saudi Arabia has committed $51 million for a 116 km section from Dilaram to Garishk. Japan has provided $76 million for a 114 km section from Garishk to Kandahar. There are concerns over security in this area and for the time being, construction work has been put on hold until the situation improves.

Secondary information