Kunar Residents Demand Urban Expansion, Traffic Reduction

A number of residents in Kunar province are calling on local authorities to expand the city of Asadabad and address traffic congestion problems.

They argue that while the city’s area is limited, its population is increasing rapidly, leading to severe congestion and disruptions in daily life.

Tahzibullah Mahzab, a resident of Asadabad, said: “Markets are being built in a disorganized manner, and they lack basic facilities like parking. Such constructions should be prevented.”

Another resident, Tawakkul Khan, emphasized that the growing population has increased the need for infrastructure development: “In the past, there were fewer people, but now the population has grown significantly. Therefore, bridges should be built, and roads should be widened.”

Wahidullah Karimzai, another local, criticized the blockage of sidewalks and the impact of congestion on people’s lives: “Shopkeepers place their goods outside their stores, blocking pedestrian paths. This must be fixed. Also, the excessive congestion prevents people from taking their sick family members to the hospital on time.”

Local officials have assured residents that they will take action to address these challenges.

Nazar Mohammad Atiq, the mayor of Asadabad, stated: “We have proposed the construction of four bridges within the municipality’s jurisdiction. One bridge will connect Salar Bagh to Lahore Dag, another will be built in the Manda Kol area, one will link the Tablighi Center to Marawara district, and the last one is planned at the point where the two major rivers converge.”

Additionally, Asadabad residents are calling for the implementation of an urban master plan for new markets and commercial centers to ensure that future constructions meet urban development standards and prevent further issues.

The people of Asadabad hope that with these measures, urban problems will be reduced, and infrastructure development will improve the city’s living conditions.