Afghanistan’s private union urges govt to hire an urban minister

KABUL: Afghanistan is going through a dry spell ever since the Taliban take over. The union of private construction companies in Afghanistan pleaded the Government of Taliban on Sunday, December 5, to resume the construction projects grossing over USD 5 billion. 

Local news channel ‘TOLOnews’ reported that the union urged the Taliban government to appoint a minister for urban development and housing. Ever since the Taliban takeover on August 15, the country has been desecrating with development and welfare work put on halt. 

TOLOnews reported that the members of the union have not been paid despite making huge investments. Farid Tatar, Head of the Union, urged the government to a find solution to their problems considering the huge amounts already invested. 

“No one seems to care,” is the approach of the Taliban government as the construction industry verges on collapsing soon, stated the union. Several employees of the construction firms have been let go due to a lack of payment. The union informed that the halted construction projects might collapse soon as the harsh winter approaches. 

In response to the union’s request, the Islamic emirate pledged to introduce the minister of urban development and housing. Bilal Karimi, Deputy spokesman of Islamic emirate, stated that the government is selecting a cabinet. The delay is being caused as the “authorities are attempting to select professional figures who have the capacity and good quality”.