The newly inaugurated underpass in the center of Herat province was severely flooded during the first rainfall, completely halting traffic through the route.
The underpass, which had been opened just a few days ago by the Taliban administration, turned into a collection point for surface water after the rain began. Videos shared on social media show water flowing from the upper road into the underpass, making it impossible for vehicles to pass.
A number of Herat residents and civil activists say the project was inaugurated hastily and for show, and that basic principles of surface water management and flood control were not observed in its design and construction.
They called on the Taliban administration to carry out technical and engineering studies with greater accuracy and responsibility before implementing urban projects and spending public resources, in order to prevent the waste of public funds.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
