The construction of a connecting road to Arandu Gol Road by PATRIP’s partner Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) connects communities living close to the Afghan-Pakistani border.
During 2015 and 2016, the PATRIP Foundation supported the construction of a 16,7 Km road in the area of District Chitral to increase social exchange and economic cooperation between communities living along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This road connects 13 villages, from Godagarl to Dewadam, to Arandu Gol. This benefits around 13,520 people.
The route is used by border communities to gain better access to basic services in inner Chitral Town. Before the construction of the new segment, people had to use damaged and dangerous paths to reach school or market facilities in Chitral. Even for pedestrians it was challenging to walk through, while remaining nearly impossible for vehicles. The construction of the extension of the road enhances access to social services and brings new economic opportunities for the communities living along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Arandu presents a highly complex environment due to a number of factors. The difficult mountainous terrain as well as widespread poverty seriously challenge service delivery.
This initiative enabled SRSP to develop a deeper understanding of the area and needs of communities living on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The road does not only improve access, it also enhances social exchange and facilitates economic collaboration among the border communities. Perhaps most importantly, children living in the area now have a much safer way of reaching their schools in any weather condition.
“[The] road is a sign of development. When the roads are established, areas develop.” – community member of Domel Nisar
In addition to that, two pedestrian suspension bridges and one irrigation channel have also been constructed, directly benefitting more than 2000 people. People living in Arandu Gol came together to cooperate with PATRIP and SRSP, resulting in the formation of 22 community-based organisations with 416 memberships and 93 community members trained in managerial skills.
The project is set up to continue contributing to regional stability by creating opportunities for increased social exchange and economic cooperation across the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
