Afghan gov't, NATO forces to assist needy people during winter

The Government of Afghanistan, working together with the Coalition forces led by NATO, has devised a comprehensive plan to assist the citizens in getting through the harsh winter, according to a press release of the Coalition forces received Saturday.

"Winterization Plan" which is devised to cope with the local problems arising out of the winter was chalked out on December 17, the press release said.

Under the Plan, which covers eastern region, the government with the support of the coalition forces would provide humanitarian aid including food staff and clothes worth 800,000 U. S. dollars to the region's remote areas.

Some 6,000 Afghans have been hired by a local contractor to keep the roads clean from the snowfall during the winter in the far-flanged districts of the eastern region.

"The Afghan government cares about the needs of the people and is established to serve and assist the people in seeking a better life," Arsala Jamal the Governor of eastern Khost province said.

Afghanistan's harsh winter, during which the blizzards and heavy snowfall undermine and even block communication links and roads in parts of the war-ravaged country began on Friday.

Source: Xinhua