GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Ghazni Texas Agribusiness Development Team-IV helped launch one of the largest watershed management projects in Ghazni Province during a ceremony hosted by Ghazni Gov. Musa Kahn and Deh Yak Shura leader Chief Nasrullah. July 25
U.S. Army Maj. John L. Davis, Texas ADT-IV Agriculture team leader said this project is a significant step in developing successful watershed management in the Kauiyan region of northern Deh Yak District. It is a massive series of check dams throughout the Kauiyan flood plain designed to slow the water and measure the silt build up in the river bed for future dam projects in the region.
Davis, from Austin, Texas, said, “Upon its completion, the waters from spring runoff will remain in the region longer and will permeate further into the ground allowing for late season karez and well recharge.”
The process for developing this project highlights the gains key Ghazni leaders have made in identifying and executing projects in the province.
As head of the Deh Yak Shura, Chief Nasrullah identified the need for water management in his district during a shura attended by the Texas ADT in November 2010. The project was then approved by the Ghazni governor and vetted and approved by the Ghazni Provincial Development Council.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. William Hosket Texas ADT-IV project manager from San Antonio, said, “It is one of the many projects initiated this year that has been completely implemented and designed by the Afghan Government to help the people of Afghanistan. They selected this project as a priority, designed the project, selected the contractor, and will manage the project to its completion.”
Through the mentoring of TX ADT-IV, a committee of key agriculture leaders in the district conducted the contractor selection which included representatives from the Ghazni Governor’s office, the Provincial Council, the office of the Director of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, and Deh Yak District.
Using key Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan representatives in this way is an important step in increasing the capacity and capability of GIRoA said Hosket.
“This process gives them ownership of the project which will not only increase the success of the project, but will increase their ability to execute future projects in Ghazni Province,” he said.
While this project will improve water management in the district, it offers other benefits to the local populace.
Due to the large scope of this project, it will gainfully employ more than 500 men for six months, offering them an alternative to potential influence by the insurgents. It will also employ more than 30 skilled laborers from Ghazni.
Nasrullah said as local Afghans see their leaders successfully addressing the needs of the district, they will have greater confidence in their government’s ability to solve the problems they face. This is a significant step in increasing the legitimacy of the Afghan government.
Nasrullah said, “This is an exciting project for Deh Yak District, and we are very pleased with the assistance we have received from the Texas ADT. Not only is this project important for improving the water management of our district, but it will offer employment to many of the men here. We hope to use what we have learned during the process and conduct other projects in the future.”
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2011 16:24 |
| Story ID: | 74486 |
| Location: | GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ghazni officials launch watershed management project, by 1LT Laura Childs, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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