Afghanistan

January 2007

The Emergency Transport Rehabilitation Project (US$108 million Credit and US$45 million Grant):

The Emergency Transport Rehabilitation Project (US$108 million Credit and US$45 million Grant) is helping to remove key transport bottlenecks on an emergency basis and also supports the government’s efforts to rehabilitate both highway and civil aviation programs. The work will improve physical access to goods, markets, and administrative and social services, all critical to Afghanistan’s economic and social recovery. In May 2005, a supplemental grant of US$45 million was approved to increase the project budget for Kunduz – Taloqan – Kishem road rehabilitation and other components for the satisfactory completion of the project. Most of the highway and civil aviation components were completed by summer 2006, and the remaining road components (Taloqan-Kishem, etc.) and technical assistance studies are under implementation.

Salang Tunnel Rehabilitation: In July 2004, the Salang tunnel work was completed, opening the 2.7 km tunnel for two-way traffic for the first time since 1997. Work included reconstructing collapsed snow galleries, ventilation shafts, and buildings and installation of ventilation equipment, tunnel lighting, and electric power generators. The tunnel is believed to have one of the highest altitudes (3,400m) in the world, and covers a critical section of the highway that connects the city of Kabul to eight provinces and Afghanistan to both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Emergency Road Repairs: The Bank is also financing the upgrading of the road from Kabul to Kunduz and onwards to theTajikistan border at Sher Khan Bandar, Kunduz – Taluqan, as well as a 68 km section of the Taloqan – Kishem road. The overallroad components from Kabul to Doshi and from Pol-I Khumri to Kunduz are now complete. The remaining section from Kunduz to Sher Khan Bandar was completed in April 2006. The Taloqan – Kishem section is expected to be complete by middle of 2007. Civil Aviation: The Bank is also financing some emergency needs in the civil aviation sector including runway rehabilitation, emergency de-mining, and fencing of the Kabul International Airport. In addition, funds will provide navigation and communication equipment for Kabul and other provincial airports. The Kabul Airport runway was formally inaugurated on August 9, 2005.