KERMANSHAH - Minister of Construction Jihad Mohammad Saeedi-Kia here on Wednesday said that 90 percent of Iranian villages which are home to 20 families or more, have access to electricity. Addressing employees of the provincial construction Jihad department, Saeedi-Kia added that 75 percent of the villages have access to sanitary water and are connected to other population centers via suitable roads.

Stating that development of the country's rural areas is amongst the highest priorities of the ministry, he added that the budget cuts in the country should not impede the development of the villages. The official explained that animal husbandry and fisheries account for 12.5 percent of the gross national product. (IRNA)