| Property boom in Afghanistan as investors build fortress
THE biggest housing boom for 50 years is happening in war-battered Afghanistan, as developers construct fortress-like homes to prepare for Western troops pulling out. Saeed Chaudhry, manager of The Baron compound in Kabul, said: "Afghanistan is still the land of opportunity for people. Another complex is being built in Mazar-e-Sharif, an area which officials want to turn into an Afghan Dubai. "Our philosophy was to offer secure accommodation with the facilities of a five-star hotel. One in the former Taliban heartland of Kandahar has a "safe environment – in a very hostile area", says a review. The Baron is protected by high concrete blast walls, machine gun-wielding guards and surrounded by CCTV. Hundreds of millions of pounds are being invested in huge compounds to provide both foreign and Afghan elite a safe haven. It boasts a bar, gym, squash courts, outdoor swimming pool, saunas and even a virtual golf course. One investor said: "People are gambling on foreigners trying to stay in safer places when the soldiers leave. |
Sunday 8 April 2012
Property boom in Afghanistan as investors build fortress
