Each winter season, snow and icy weather create severe and dangerous traveling conditions at a high mountain pass on the Gardez to Khost Road. The unimproved dirt road is the only direct connection between two prominent commercial city centers in Eastern Afghanistan. The road is also a critical route for local and foreign military forces to maintain support for on-going efforts to stabilize this part of the war torn country.

Vehicles often lose control and veer off the steep embankments along the edge of the road. The situation is so extreme that cargo trucks, buses, and cars can become trapped in rural traffic jams for days in sub-zero temperatures. It is not uncommon for many travelers to freeze to death in the stranded vehicles before the road is reopened and the vehicles are able to continue on their way.

USAID contractor The Louis Berger Group / Black and Veatch Special Projects Joint Venture (LBG/B&V JV) has been tasked with design and reconstruction of an all-weather asphalt paved roadway between the cities of Gardez and Khost, the provincial capitals for the Provinces of Paktia and Khost. Following initiation of this important rehabilitation project in 2007 and an accelerated design period, the construction project was opened for public tender in November. While waiting for completion of the bidding and negotiation process and the start-up of major construction activities in the spring, an interim project to properly maintain the road and keep it clear of snow through the 2007-2008 winter season was launched on 22 November when LBG/B&V JV signed a contract with an Afghan road contractor, the Zurmat Construction Company (Zurmat).

Zurmat, a local contractor based in the same province as the city of Gardez, was able to quickly mobilize and begin work near the highest elevation along the Gardez to Khost Road, the Sate Kandaw Pass. Using two teams consisting of one grader, one front end loader, a tractor, and two or three dump trucks posted on each side of the pass, Zurmat began the road grading and clearing operations on 30 November, only eight days after signing their contract. Where mechanical equipment is not effective, Zurmat is employing approximately 50 local laborers using hand shovels. The laborers are hired from nearby villages, contributing to the local economy. In addition to keeping the roadway graded and clear of snow and mud on a daily basis, Zurmat regularly uses their equipment to move stranded or disabled vehicles, and advises motorist to use chains on their vehicles’ tires.

USAID, and their contractor, LBG/B&V JV, have been informed that the local governments, military bases, and local communities are very happy that a Paktia-based Afghan subcontractor has been awarded and is performing this important job. The end result is a sense of pride and ownership among local communities, new jobs created for local citizens, and most assuredly, a reduction in the loss of life on this hazardous road.