This photo taken on April 7, 2024 shows the construction site of the China-aided Neela Bagh Housing Project in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
KABUL, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Receiving the food package for Eid al-Fitr, a group of Afghans expressed their gratitude to their Chinese colleagues for the great celebration and, most importantly, for bringing them work opportunities via a major project.
The China-aided Neela Bagh Housing Project officially started Sunday in Afghansitan's capital of Kabul, three days before the Eid that is set to fall on Wednesday this year in the country. Under the project, China 19th Metallurgical Group Corporation Limited (MCC 19) is scheduled to construct 1,400 apartments in 56 blocks in three years.
The commencement ceremony of the project worth 71 million U.S. dollars caused a stir among locals, as China continues to support its war-ridden neighbor with projects that help practically.
Afghanistan thanks China for the start of practical work on the Neela Bagh Housing Project and hopes the cooperation continues between the two neighboring countries in areas of regional connectivity, Afghan interim government's Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund told the ceremony in a speech.
According to Cao Binsen, a procurement manager of the project with the MCC 19, the apartments can host at least 5,000 residents.
"During the period (of construction), we will recruit a large number of local workers in Afghanistan and be able to provide nearly 700 jobs," said Cao.
"It will provide direct and indirect employment for almost 5,000 people. It is provided here, and 71 million U.S. dollars are invested here by our neighboring country and it is a place to be happy," Acting Deputy Prime Minister on Administrative Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi told the commencing ceremony.
As one of the Chinese companies fully experienced in constructing buildings and other infrastructure, the MCC 19 has invited Chinese experts to Afghanistan for consultation on quality control and construction techniques.
According to Cao, a Chinese specialist is on the way to Kabul to erect one of the two tower cranes, the other currently being operational.
Li Peilong, general manager of MCC 19's Afghanistan branch said that the MCC 19 entered Afghanistan in 2009, as one of the pioneers of contracting China-aided projects. So far, the state-owned company has built several buildings in Kabul University, including an auditorium and a school guesthouse.
"When these projects were completed, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, especially when the buildings of these projects were handed over to local people and I saw them studying and living in them. This kind of project is for the friendship between the two countries and benefits the people of both countries," said Li.
Besides major aiding projects, China has supported Afghanistan over the past years with COVID-19 vaccines, winter clothes, tents and foodstuff, which had been distributed among poor and flood-affected families in the country.
Such support is continuous and Chinese companies will sustain their commitments to helping Afghanistan in nation-rebuilding, Li said. ■
This photo taken on April 7, 2024 shows the construction site of the China-aided Neela Bagh Housing Project in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
Astronaut Thomas Stafford, commander of Apollo 10, dies aged 93: Air Force three
Your state pension might NOT increase by the full 8.5% this month
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
China's Xi Jinping delivers unexpected speech at UN hours after US President Joe Biden speaks
How to invest to beat tax raids
Revealed: The pernickety passport rules Brits NEED to know before the Easter getaway
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Apple users are still discovering hidden new features inside iPhone's iOS17
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Come fry with me! The UK's cheapest and priciest airports for a full English breakfast revealed