JALALABAD - Local officials in eastern Nangarhar province on Monday said reconstruction projects would be launched in Achin district after the conclusion of an ongoing operation in the town.
They say Afghan forces launched the operation to reopen schools, highways and other facilities in Achin and reconstruction of areas destroyed during the conflict would be started after the operation is completed.
The military operation against Daesh or Islamic State (IS) militants was started in Bandar Valley a month ago and local officials say 95 percent of the area – previously biggest center of Daesh --- has been cleared of the insurgents.
Nangarhar governor’s spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani, told Pajhwok Afghan News that only five percent of Bandar Valley was still under Daesh influence and the Afghan forces were working to clear it too.
He said after the operation, the Nangarhar governor and all other local officials would visit Achin district and hear problems of local people and then launch development projects there.
No survey has been launched to assess the damage caused in Achin district during the war. Howver, officials say hundreds of houses have been destroyed and most of the primary services hlated in the district for the last four years.
Haji Akhtar, a tribal elder from Achin, asked the government to provide them residences in their area again.
He said the conflict had destroyed their houses, roads, bridges, mosques, schools and other facilities.
Lt. Col. Mohammad Haroon Yousufzai, spokesman for 201 Silab Military Corps in the east, said that 11 security posts would be activiated in Bandar Valley to protect people against insurgent threats.
Daesh militants are said to be still active in two other valleys, Mamand and Abdul Khail of Achin district. (Pajhwok)