PRT Farah funds $1.7 million bridge in Tojg

10.24.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Combined Joint Task Force - 82

TOJG VILLAGE, Afghanistan - Construction is underway for a $1.7 million bridge across the Farah Rud River in Tojg. The project, funded by the Farah Provisional Reconstruction Team, will employ several hundred Afghans for a two-year period.

Each year, the Farah Rud River rises approximately six feet, cutting the people in Tojg off from the main road, and their farmlands. The nearest crossing is several hours away, in Farah City. Eight to 10 people drown annually attempting to cross the river.

The massive masonry and reinforced concrete bridge will span 300 meters and rise 12 meters over the center span.

The bridge will benefit not only the 10,000 residents of Tojg, but also people from the Districts of Shib Koh, Qalay Ka, Lashe Juwain and Farah City.

Due to the size and duration of the project, several local contractors joined forces to create a joint venture company, pooling resources, equipment and manpower for the bridge construction. These companies include Shir Pir Construction Company, Bradaran Noori, Kheyaban Construction Company, and Meihan Parwar.

By reducing travel time to the city center, this link will enhance economic activity, improve response times from the ANA and ANP, and improve access to social services. The link will also extend the reach of the central government, allowing officials to conduct more frequent assessments of the outer districts.

"This project is right up there with some of the major projects we have done in Afghanistan. It's part of the foundation infrastructure, roads and bridges and dams, heavy infrastructure that allows transportation and goods and services to flow. Projects like this are critical for the functioning of the economy," said Navy Lt. j.g. Stephen Ramsey, an engineer at Farah PRT.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2007
• Date Posted: 10.24.2007 09:29
• Story ID: 13262