IOM is to build a major assembly hall in Maimana, the provincial
capital of Faryab province in northwestern Afghanistan, with
funding from the Norwegian government.

The public building, which will have a capacity to seat 600
people, is the first of its kind in Maimana and will provide a
venue for public meetings, conferences, lectures and debates.
Construction is expected to begin in July 2010.

"This project will help local government to interact with the
community on issues of public importance and to facilitate greater
public participation in cultural, social and political events,"
said IOM Afghanistan Chief of Mission Marco Boasso.

Faryab, which borders Turkmenistan and has a population of
858,600, is one of the 10 largest provinces in Afghanistan. It is
currently enjoying relative stability and economic growth,
especially in the areas of agriculture and trade. 

For more information please contact:

Kristiina Lilleorg

IOM Kabul

Tel. +93 7968 56150

E-mail: "mailto:klilleorg@iom.int">klilleorg@iom.int