ISAF, ANSF building Strong Foundations

GARDEZ, AFGHANISTAN

03.31.2009

Story by Pfc. Andrya Hill 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE GARDEZ, Afghanistan — The Provincial Reconstruction Team from the Paktya province of eastern Afghanistan, attached to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, deployed to Paktya from Fort Richardson, Alaska, conducted an assessment of progress on the construction of four local schools March 31.

"We are building primary and secondary schools for Afghan children, obviously increasing their educational capabilities, and along with that, providing employment opportunities for the local contractors who build the schools," said Maj. Kimberly Riggs, the engineer officer in charge for the Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team.

The assessment consisted of evaluating the phases of construction, noting additional materials required, and examining the current work and effectiveness of the contractors.

School construction is one of the large ongoing projects for the PRT, and in addition to the current buildings, others are slated to break ground this year.

"Most of these schools were started last year. There was a big push from the previous PRT to build them, and we are finishing up. We also have a few new schools in different districts," Riggs said.

Contractors, laborers, and children alike, were clearly intrigued with the presence of the PRT, eager to discuss their schools in depth, and receptive to the assistance provided by the team.

"The children are always excited to see us show up," said Riggs, who smiled at the curious students gathering to watch.

In all, four schools were assessed, to include the Gala-e-Halim School, Gardez Baladeh School, Khaja Ali School, and Pieran School.

In addition to education development, the PRT also organizes and supervises projects developing agriculture, law and governance, healthcare facilities, water sanitation and electricity, and transportation systems.

Riggs is enthusiastic about the overall mission, and congratulated her team on a job well-done for the day.

"Its great being out here supporting the people and providing them with new facilities," she said.

The Paktya PRT currently has 14 schools in various stages of construction in Paktya, as well as several undergoing refurbishing.

• Date Taken: 03.31.2009
• Date Posted: 05.29.2009 11:55
• Story ID: 34287
• Location: GARDEZ, AF