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KABUL — International Security Assistance Force troops escorted 10 Afghan journalists to the town of Garmsir, southern Helmand province, on 26 May. The visit included time at the vibrant and bustling Garmsir bazaar.
In 2008, the bazaar had no shops; however, now it has more than two-hundred.
The visit began when the journalists gathered at the U.K.-led headquarters of the ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah where they met Mr. Ian Purves, the stabilisation advisor employed by the U.K. government to coordinate development in Garmsir.
The journalists were then airlifted to the main U.K. base in Garmsir, Forward Operating Base Delhi, before travelling to the new bazaar.
The bazaar has moved back into the town following recent improvements in the local security situation. Other local infrastructure improvements included 1.5 kilometers of tarmac road, complete with solar powered streetlights. Another 1.2 kilometer section of road will be resurfaced later this year.
The visit also included a trip to the local school, which cost over $70,000 to refurbish. Approximately 150 boys now attend the school daily.
The journalists met the local community council, which has been instrumental in assisting with regenerating the bazaar and the general quality of life in Garmsir.
Finally, the journalists visited the Comprehensive Health Center, which has also been refurbished at a total cost of $200,000. The center now treats approximately 200 people daily, and employs three doctors, a dentist, two nurses and two technicians.
Importantly, since 2007, 360 tons of wheat seed have also been distributed to 3,600 farmers in and around Garmsir, as a part of Helmand Gov. Mangal's counter narcotics project. Local farmers now harvest wheat instead of poppy crops.
Before leaving Gamsir, the journalists took the opportunity to interview the commander of Task Force Helmand, Brig. Gen. Tim Radford OBE.
Radford said, "It is clear that the local government and the community are making progress in the town and grasping the opportunity of better security to improve the living conditions of their people."
The journalists represented: BBC Pashto, Pajhwok, Radio Television Afghanistan, Shamshad TV, ISAF News, Bost Radio and Sabawoon Radio.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2009 12:44 |
| Story ID: | 34380 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 223 |
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