FARAH, Afghanistan — Roads are one of Farah Province Gov. Rahool Amin's main concerns for the Afghan people, which puts the Route 515 road construction project at the top of his list.
"Whenever I talk with international forces I mention three things — power, water and roads," Amin said at a recent public speaking engagement.
Members of the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team journeyed to the Farah to Pusht Rod segment of Route 515 to check on the progress. The PRT-sponsored project began Oct. 19, 2009 and is estimated to be complete by June 2010.
The Brotheran Alekoza Farahi Construction Company was awarded the contract by the PRT to build the much needed road. Akhond Zadah, one of the owners of the company, said the project is 55 percent complete.
Afghan boys from the nearby Village of Tapa Sharan ventured out to visit with the coalition forces. Satar, a 13-year-old student, said, "The road was ploughed yesterday." He has an older brother that works in Farah City and the wider road provides a safer surface for him and his motorcycle.
Currently, 10 of 16 kilometers are finished. The PRT took time to check and clear both old and new culverts, take soil samples, inspect flooded areas of the road and speak with the contractor about challenges or general concerns that may delay project completion.
With 60 security guards and 30 workers employed by the Brotheran Alekoza Farahi Construction Company, soil is moved and flattened with no interruptions. This improved road will pave the way for increased commerce because villagers will be better able to transport goods to the Farah City market. It will also ease mobility for the three villages along its path.
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