Nangarhar residents and provincial council members have called on the National Unity Government (NUG) to implement its promise to build an airport in Nangarhar.

Residents and council members said that the establishment of a civilian airport will not only be beneficial for residents but will also generate revenue for government.

President Ashraf Ghani has acknowledged the local community’s request but work on the airport has not started.   

“Nangarhar is a populated province and also a community center for residents of three surrounding provinces and the establishment of an airport is needed for all of them and we want the government to take action,” said Wasim Karimi a resident.

“An airport in Nangarhar would play a key role in travel to provinces and other countries and will open up facilities for us,” said Noorullah, another resident.

Meanwhile, Nangarhar local officials said that budget has been allocated for the construction of an airport in Nangarhar and construction could start in the new solar year.  

“Last week a delegation from the finance ministry and civil aviation authority came to Nangarhar and the delegation also visited some areas where the airport (could be built) and soon a suitable place for construction of the airport will be selected,” said Sayed Ahmadshah Sadat, acting deputy head of Nangarhar.

Provincial council members meanwhile said that a civilian airport in Nangarhar will solve many problems for people living in eastern provinces.

“In infrastructure projects, lots of promises are made by government to the Nangarhar people but are not implemented therefore our residents are disappointed and dissatisfied with the president ,” said Zabiullah Zamari, a provincial council member.

Nangarhar is a fairly densely populated province and an economic center of the country and a civilian airport would have a positive impact on economic growth in the region.