Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team in Logar continues in Surkhab Dam reconstruction

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

04.17.2009

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Czech Provincial Reconstruction Team in Logar province recently entered another phase of the reconstruction of the Surkhab dam, the largest source of water in Logar province.

The project, which will cost more than $1 million, will improve irrigation conditions for about 3,500 farmers, as well as provide jobs for 80 workers from Logar.

"We appreciate Czech assistance a lot. Our farmers cannot grow anything without water," said Abdul Wahab Ahmadzai, director of a local high school.

Prior to the renovation, the old dam and reservoir lacked maintenance and regular cleaning. Up until few months ago, the basin was full of sediment more than eight meters deep, up to two thirds of its depth.

The Czech PRT excavated the mud in order to revitalize the dam and to restore its original capacity.

"We use Surkhab water for irrigation throughout the whole year. The lack of water could cause a disaster for our community and conflicts could break out," said Baidjan, a local village elder.

The project is to continue with the construction of a retention wall, which will help keep sediment out of the dam. The last phase of the project includes planting more than 2,500 trees to serve as a wind barrier and protect the Surkhab banks from erosion.

Meetings with the local communities, an important component of the PRT's strategy in Logar province, played a key role in the restoration of the dam and the project.

"Discussions with locals were lengthy, but finally, we agreed on a long stripe of trees in three lines," Iva Smejkalova, agriculture advisor for the Czech PRT, said.

The Czech PRT has been assisting the people of Logar in areas such as health, education, infrastructure, independent journalism and women's rights programs since March 2008.

• Date Taken: 04.17.2009
• Date Posted: 04.17.2009 09:31
• Story ID: 32499
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF