Bank opens its doors in Qalat city Published Dec. 12, 2006 By Capt. Kevin G. Tuttle Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team QALAT, Afghanistan -- Qalat residents and government officials celebrated the opening of Da Afghanistan Bank here on Dec. 7 as part as Zabul Province's reconstruction plan and city developments. Accompanying Zabul Governor Del Bar Jan Arman was the Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team commander and representatives of the United States Agency for International Development as well as other provincial leaders. This USAID project began in January and cost approximately $374,000. The bank is currently fully operational with five customer service windows, various offices and a security vault. USAID Representative in Zabul, Jennifer Ragland, addressed Qalat residents and government officials at the ceremony. "We would like to say thank you to the people of Qalat for your support during the construction of this beautiful facility," said Ragland, who has been working closely with Gov. Arman on various project. "I would also like to acknowledge the support of security forces, Afghan and Coalition that have helped to create a secure environment in this area for the project to flourish. It is because of these efforts that we are here today," added Ragland. Da Afghanistan Bank is responsible for providing banking services to all Afghan National Police officers. DAB's new paying system called, Individual Salary Payment Program, will insure payment to all officers in the region every month. DAB Director Jaliani was also present at the ceremony and ensured that the facility will be of great benefit to the people in Qalat. "We worked hard on this building for one year and we needed training to improve our skills in making this building," said Jaliani. "We even got computer training from USAID. We will be able to do our jobs well because of this nice facility. It will be very easy for us to manage the police payments now. Our progress is going very well and the police will get their salaries on time."