UN-funded reconstruction projects create thousands of jobs for Herat residents

HERAT -- The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has launched 100 development projects to create jobs and rehabilitate infrastructure in Herat city.

The projects include constructing sidewalks and canals, paving streets and roads with concrete, and rehabilitating parks -- which are ongoing simultaneously in several districts of Herat city.

The total budget for the projects is $8 million, and they will create employment for 10,000 Afghans. Work started two months ago and is expected to continue for another six months.

"These development projects have created employment and led to the reconstruction of Herat city," said Abdullelah Qazizada, director of professional and technical services at Herat municipality.

"The municipality does not have the budget for these projects, but the UN has filled this gap," he said. "These are public projects that benefit thousands of people every day."

"Nearly 10,000 young and jobless [residents] who were suffering from unemployment are now busy working on these projects and receive regular monthly salaries."

"With the launch of these projects, each of the 10,000 families has a number of members who are earning income now," Qazizada said.

The projects are carried out by local councils in co-ordination with UNOPS, he added.

Finding work and hope

Abdul Ahmad Ibrahimi, 24, the breadwinner of his family of five, works on the UN-supported project in Herat city.

He said he passed the Kankor (university entrance) exam and entered the mechanical engineering faculty at Herat University two years ago but could not continue his studies because of economic problems.

"My family has suffered very much economically, because as the breadwinner of the family, I was jobless and had no source of income," Ibrahimi said.

"I have been working on this project for almost two months and am very happy that I have found work," he said, adding that he was able to purchase basic household necessities with his first salary.

"I address up to 80% of my household's economic needs with the income from this project," he said.

Abdul Saboor, 30, who served in the Afghan National Army prior to August 2021, is now working on a UNOPS project in Herat city.

As the breadwinner of his family of six, he said he is relieved to be working on the project after being unemployed for almost two years.

"I am very happy to return to work after a long time and have an income," he said, adding that now he can buy food for his children.

"Unemployment kept me at home, and I was suffering from mental and psychological pressures," he said.

"This is a good opportunity that allows us to work and earn an income and rehabilitate and renovate our communities."

"The sidewalk we are building is in front of a school, which our brothers and sisters use daily, and this makes it convenient for them," he said.

After applying for jobs with no success, Abdul Saboor said he found hope again after working with the UN-funded development project.

Noor Ahmad Sediqi, 32, works with a health team on one of the development projects in Herat city, providing first aid to other workers.

He said he is happy that he has found work in his field and close to his home.

"Unemployment and economic problems had caused mental health issues for me, because poverty and unemployment are very difficult [to endure]," he said.

"Like me, all of the youth were suffering from unemployment. Fortunately, all of us are busy after the launch of this project and are saved from mental health issues."

"While the unemployment and economic crisis is growing in the country, development projects, especially projects funded by the UN, have given the public, particularly the youth, hope and motivation," Sediqi said.

Development and convenience

Local residents are pleased with the launch of UN projects to develop and rebuild their city.

"In the past, the sidewalks were in poor condition, making it very difficult to walk when it would rain or snow," said Yaser Noorzai, 22, a resident of Herat city. "We had to walk through mud and change our clothes every time we stepped outside."

"This sidewalk that we are building is the main walkway for students at Herat University," he said. "Construction of the sidewalk, which lies in a crowded part of Herat city, provides important infrastructure both for students and for others."

UN development projects are being implemented in most parts of Herat city, which has led to development and progress in the city, Noorzai said.

Mohammad Edress Khairkhwa, 37, said he is happy that most of Herat city's sidewalks, roads and streets are being constructed in a standard manner.

"Our road was not paved, making it very difficult to travel in the winter when it would rain," he said. "Women and children could not leave their homes because of the mud."

The projects are beneficial for the environment too, Khairkhwa said, adding that dust will not longer enter residents' houses in the summer.

"All of us are very happy that our road is being paved," he said. "We are no longer worried about rain and snow and can easily travel in all seasons."