KABUL - An Afghan investor Janbaz Sultani said on Sunday his plans to build a recycling factory in Kabul are being scuppered as Kabul Municipality is not supporting him in his endeavors.

He said he hopes to build the factory to produce energy, fertilizer and fuel from the waste that is collected from the city.

Sultani said in addition he will create job opportunities for more than 1,000 people.

According to him, he needs at least 50 acres of land on which to build the factory but this is proving to be a stumbling block.

He said: "We will change the garbage into fuel by our machines and it will be sold to the people at a good price. Our next plan is to produce electricity by using the fuel. And finally we will produce industrial gas."

The Kabul Municipality meanwhile has refused to comment on this but the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency (AISA) has welcomed the move by the Afghan businessman.

Chairman of AISA Mohammad Qurban Haqjo said: "The private sector is ready to take part in this regard as it is an effective move. It is good that the government supports and encourages the plan and decides about its implementation in the near future."

This comes after a recent outcry by Kabul residents over the growing piles of trash in the streets of the capital – which is home to more than three million people.

Garbage has not been removed from most parts of the city for months due to an expired contract with the previous service provider.

Earlier this month, the acting mayor of Kabul promised lawmakers at the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) that he would clear the city of garbage within a week. However, two weeks have passed but the garbage has still not been removed.

In addition, President Ashraf Ghani last week vowed to clean up the city together with residents within two weeks, but again there is no sign of such an initiative. (Tolonews)