KABUL (Pajhwok): A newly-built underground shopping centre having 340 shops was inaugurated in Kabul on Tuesday.
Constructed at a cost of 790 million afghanis under a private-public partnership (PPP), the shopping centre’s 65 percent revenue will go to the contracting firm for the next 30 years, with the remaining 35 percent will go to the Kabul municipality under the agreement.
Built on 7,280 square metres of state-owned land between Pul-i-Khushti and Sepahi Gumnam square, the single-storey centre was established by Shaheen Construction Company.
Maulvi Mohammad Khalid Sajistani, deputy director of urban services at the Kabul municipality, told the inaugural ceremony that the project was developed under a PPP model, with annual revenue shared— 65 percent by Afghan Shaheeb firm and 35 percent by the municipality.
He said the market had been contracted to the company for 30 years. He added around 200 development projects were currently under construction in Kabul city.
Maiwand Dosti, advisor to the Afghan Shaheeb company, said the firm had invested 790 million afghanis in the project.
He explained the centre comprised 340 shops, six entrances, solar power system alongside with state electricity and other necessary facilities.
He added the centre was designed for fabric sales and has created direct employment for about 1,000 people.
Khan Jan Alokozay, board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, told the ceremony that the centre had been established in strategically commercial area.
He added the project would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, reduce the burden on the government and create a “major economic boost”.
He urged Afghan traders and investors to invest in their own country and contribute to its economic growth.
