21 May 2010 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Friday that it is going to build a major assembly hall in north-western Afghanistan with funding from the Norwegian government. UN Radio report

The public building in Maimana, the provincial capital of Faryab province, with 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.

IOM says the construction is expected to begin in July 2010 and 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.

Faryab, which borders Turkmenistan and has a population of over 800,000, is one of the 10 largest provinces in Afghanistan.

According to IOM, it is currently enjoying relative stability and economic growth, especially in the areas of agriculture and trade.

Website: IOM in Afghanistan