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PRT…a tale of two bridges

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Bagram Airfield --  The Air Force led Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team opened two new bridges in the Western Parwan region of Afghanistan during a project assessment mission September 19 and 20.

Both will eventually allow for greater freedom for the villagers, more commerce to happen and greater ease of traffic...almost. One bridge was ready to go, while one still needed some work.

"These are the problems that are going to occur when you deal with contracts and the wording in them," said Army Major Don Johnson, Bagram PRT team leader. "These local contractors will follow the letter of the contract, even if the end result doesn't quite make sense."

The first bridge was called the Darai Darwaz Bridge and did in fact look like a bridge, spanning a wide stream. It took the place of a rudimentary wooden foot bridge just a few feet downstream from the new concrete and steel that overshadowed it. The only problem was that there was no way to get on to the bridge to cross it without the use of a ladder or footstool.

"This has happened in the past," said Major Johnson. "We had a contractor build a bridge a few months ago and the contract didn't specify it needed approach ramps in order to cross the bridge."

"It was a beautiful span, but there was no way to use it," he said with a smile.

In order to not cause any embarrassment, the team pulled the contractor aside to discuss the bridge and the contract after the opening. It was then determined the contract did specify the approaches and the problem would be taken care of.

"We don't ever want to cause embarrassment to anyone out here," said Major Johnson.
"Especially since they have gone to such great lengths to celebrate this opening," he added, referring to the candy, lamb and bread that were served.

"When this bridge is finished, it will mean a great deal to the villagers who will use it to move goods, animals and people across a stream when they were unable to do so before," said Major Christopher Senseney, the team engineer.

On another stream, miles away from the first, the Diyar Bridge was opened by the PRT. It was finished ahead of schedule and was completely ready to use.

Surrounded with dozens of visiting elders and hundreds of school children, the Bagram PRT was treated to prayers and thanks for the new bridge. It will connect not only several villages, but will almost complete a new road built just upstream.

"The Diyar bridge is how we hope that all of our projects turn out," said Major Johnson.

Speaking to the large gathering, Major Johnson spoke of the success that everyone is here to celebrate, but also about the fact that there is so much left to be done.

"We have so much to do here in Afghanistan," said Major Johnson. "But together, we can rebuild this great country."