Amidst the reports by Turkmenistan’s authorities which give progress on the construction of new roads, the existing motorways between Turkmen towns and villages are in a dilapidated condition.
They have not been repaired for several decades since the last years before the collapse of the USSR.
Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that the motorway in the west of Turkmenistan which leads to the town of Khazar (formerly, Cheleken) is in an extremely poor condition.
The 25 kilometer motorway from Balkanabad (formerly, Nebitdag) to Jebel is more or less suitable for the first five kilometers up to the Mollakar health resort and then the drivers will experience potholed asphalt, dents and sand drifts.
This road was built 50 years ago and some parts of roads are being mended now.This, however, does not improve the situation.The inhabitants of the regions have been suffering from poor roads for many years.
In the summer period people from all across the country come to the seaside, often in their own vehicles.After driving along the local road once, people are reluctant to repeat this experience.
The residents, who render passenger transportation services, are urged to increase rates for their services and after each trip they have to repair their vehicles. For instance, the taxi fare from Balkanabad to Khazar amounts to 80100 manats.
Let us recall that the construction of toll highways Ashgabat-Turkmenabat and Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi is still underway.