NARANG DISTRICT, Afghanistan - The area was once a safe-haven for insurgents, where villagers feared to leave their homes. Now, the Narang district main thoroughfare in the village of Kutgay is a bustling street, filled with people, shops and schools.

This new sense of security is due to the efforts of the Afghan Local Police, coalition forces and most recently, solar-powered street lights.

The Narang district engineer, Rahim, recently inspected an ongoing solar-powered lighting project, June 25. The project began three months ago and is halfway to completion. He was joined by the Narang district shura leader, Haji Atiullah. As they walked the street, looking at the street light cement foundations, area shop owners, villagers and children smiled and greeted them.

"We are pleased with the progress of the lighting," said Rahim.
When complete, the solar lighting project in Kutgay village will include more than 70 street lights. During the day, they will charge from the sunlight and then automatically activate at night. The lights will be able to operate between 6-8 hours.

"These projects are being done well," said Rahim. He added he would return to the village and check the lights again when the project is complete.

"The addition of the solar-powered street lights will greatly help when the ALP conduct their security patrols," said a coalition advisor. "Insurgents won't be able to hide in the darkness after intimidating local villagers.”

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