By Asadullah Jafari (Pezhman) and Zahra Badamchi
In the depths of towering mountains, in the heart of harsh, rough, impassable cliffs of Ergi Nadak region in Miramor district of Daykundi province, in central Afghanistan—where life struggles to continue without any basic facilities and comforts—a story of hope and solidarity is unfolding, despite the freezing winters, dry summers, and the challenging winds of autumn that heavily burden the people of this land. It is fall season, but constructing a road through impassable cliffs has begun, fueled by a collective vision for a better future.
The impoverished and long-suffering residents of Ergi Nadak, who have endured years without any roads and streets, Lack of infrastructure, and neglect from both local and central governments while isolated in the towering mountains of eastern Daykundi, have now made a bold yet difficult, decision. These marginalized people, long subjected to systemic discrimination and denied government support, are building a road more than 13 kilometers long—using their own limited resources, without any construction or welfare support. This road will not only serve as a means for daily travel and transportation for these deprived people. However, it will also symbolize a pathway to a brighter future filled with hope for the children of this forgotten territory.
This road, stretching over 13 kilometers through treacherous cliffs in the remote and underdeveloped area of Ergi Nadak in the Miramor district of Daykundi province, is being built entirely through the personal contributions of the residents. This road, stretching over 13 kilometers through treacherous cliffs in the remote and underdeveloped area of Ergi Nadak in Miramor district, Daykundi province, is being built entirely through the personal contributions of the residents. This development project, without any governmental financial backing, represents the unity and determination of the local community to develop and improve their region. Though they lack modern infrastructure, these people have suffered for years from the absence of proper roads and transportation routes, facing severe difficulties throughout the year.
Ergi Nadak is one of the most underprivileged and isolated areas in eastern Daykundi province, located along the border with the Ajristan district of Ghazni province. Central and local governments have consistently overlooked the area, which receives no attention in crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, reconstruction, and road construction.
The people of this region, who mostly live in extremely challenging economic conditions, have long suffered from a lack of basic amenities, proper roads, and limited access to healthcare, education, and commercial markets. So, now, with all these inadequacies and difficulties, these people have started the construction of a road with a strong will, which can bring significant changes in the field of transportation in this deprived area.
Residents of Ergi Nadak say that they have repeatedly requested the budget and construction of this road from the relevant bodies of the local government of Daykundi province, which has been ignored by the government and relevant officials. Now, the people of this village were forced to work at their own expense due to the acute problems of the road and regional transportation.
Despite the economic difficulties and Lack of modern equipment, the local residents, through cooperation and division of labor, have managed to carry out the initial surveying, planning, and leveling of the road using simple tools such as shovels and pickaxes. Starting from Gunbad Pass on the border with Ajristan district, the road stretches over 13 kilometers towards Ergi Nadak. Due to the mountainous nature and the rugged, impassable cliffs of the road’s route, the residents have rented a single excavator for 3,000 Afghanis per hour, funded through community contributions, to tackle the more challenging and rocky sections.
However, they told Mohajir Times: “Lack of financial resources and proper equipment is one of the biggest current challenges people face. In this difficult situation, the people of Ergi request cooperation and financial assistance from the Islamic Emirate of the Taliban, organizations, charitable institutions, and donors to complete this vital project.”
The road construction, which is still ongoing, symbolizes the people’s unity and determination to improve their transportation infrastructure despite overwhelming obstacles. They remain hopeful that with potential assistance from the government, the public, and aid organizations, they can complete this project more swiftly and benefit from its advantages in enhancing the quality of life for a forgotten and marginalized generation.
Ultimately, financial and equipment cooperation from the government, people, and donor institutions can significantly impact the completion of this project, improve the quality of life of this region’s residents, and become the basis for more development in the country’s deprived areas. Read the Farsi at This Link.
Images Part:
The Road That Is Being Built Through the Heart of Rugged Cliffs with the Self-Finance of Ergi Nadak