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Bridge, road first step in province improvements

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Orville F. Desjarlais Jr.
  • 455 AEW public affairs
JABAL SARAJ, Afghanistan --  When a man leading a cow across a bridge came face to face with a car, the driver yielded, illustrating what was once a problem here – bad roads and narrow, aging bridges.

It may not seem like much to outsiders, but better roads and bigger bridges increases trade between districts, spurring on economic recovery for a country that has been at war for nearly 30 years.

The grand opening of an improved Sayad Khel Road and new two-lane bridge July 11 is expected to boost trade between two districts.

Roads and bridges reduce the possibility of villages becoming islands unto themselves. The two districts can increase trade among their villages, share resources and enhance security in their region and create more stability and commerce, according to Parwan Province Governor Abdul Jabar Taqwa.

After cutting the ribbon to the bridge and road, the governor said the project is part of his overall strategic plan to rebuild his district and make it more secure. “This is a very important project for both districts. It solves a lot of problems,” he said.

Bagram’s Provincial Reconstruction Team worked with the governor on the project. The Bagram PRT is a blend of Air Force, Army and Republic of Korea forces who work with the local government to construct schools, water wells, in addition to bridges. The team’s mission is to extend the authority of the Afghan central government, improve security and promote reconstruction.

For the Sayad Khel Road project, the team helped fund it and worked with a local contractor to build the bridge and road. The $240,000 construction project took three months to complete and required the contractor, Noor Mehigir, to hire 45 local laborers.

“It was difficult to travel back and forth between the two districts, especially during winter,” said Agi Mohamad, an engineer for the project. “I’m very proud to have built a bridge that will help the people of this community. Two vehicles can cross the bridge now. Before, only one could cross at a time. I really appreciate everything the PRT is doing for the Afghan people.”