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With security comes development, with development comes security

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Jim Wilt
  • Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs
TAG AB, Afghanistan --  Afghan and Coalition officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official start of a new road here Sept. 22. 

The governor of Kapisa Province, Khoja Ghulam Ghous Abobaker, along with local leaders, met with representatives from the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team to ceremoniously start construction on the $3.1 million project, which is expected to be completed by winter.

The road will stretch 62 kilometers (38.4 miles), according to Air Force Lt. Col. Bobby Robinson, the PRT commander. 

The road will run from here to Mahmoode Raqi, the provincial capitol, and connect the three district centers of Tag Ab, Alasai, and Nijrab to the provincial capitol, said Air Force Capt. Erick Saks, the Bagram PRT executive officer. 

The road is one of several projects currently undertaken in an area where security had been nonexistent until a few months ago. 

Following recent operations, security has improved to allow for development in the area, Robinson said. With security improved, a door has been opened allowing contractors to begin projects in the area. 

"There was a time when it was difficult even to come down here [due to the security situation,] now we are doing ribbon cuttings" Saks said. 

Schools, clinics, roads and government buildings are all projects the PRT hopes to complete, Robinson said. 

The PRT is also working with the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture in an effort to improve the economy here and a project is under way to provide clean water to the people, Saks said. 

Despite the improvements in security, which allow development, the area remains unstable. 

Robinson believes with development comes security. 

"We think as the [Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] becomes stronger, and IRoA shows it can take care of the people, security will improve in the area," Robinson said. 

The district sub-governor for Tag Ab, Mullavi Mussoud, believes the road will benefit the people here in many ways. 

With a new road, Mussoud said he believes travel time will decrease allowing for better commerce, security and medical treatment. 

Mussoud noted an increase in security since Coalition forces began operating in the area. 

"We will continue to operate in this area to make it safe for the people," Saks said.
As summer comes to a close, the construction team will be racing against time in an effort to complete the road by winter. With plans of keeping a base in the area, Coalition forces will remain in the area to continue helping the people here.