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FARAH, Afghanistan - After three years of contract refinements and construction, Farah Governor Rahool Amin, other provincial leadership members and representatives from Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, joined in a ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the completion of Togj Bridge in Farah, Afghanistan, Sept. 29.
The $1.7 million bridge stretches approximately 300 meters across the Farah Rud. The Farah Rud extends throughout Farah province, and Togj bridge will serve as one of the three places Afghans can safely cross the river.
The presence of this bridge is especially important during the rainy season and during the months when run-off from the mountains increase. Annually the water level rises up to six feet and has resulted in hazardous conditions for villagers who need to get across the river to travel to Farah City markets.
“This bridge was not created for GIRoA [Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan], it belongs to the people of Togj village, take care of it as you would take care of your homes,” said Amin.
Along with providing safe maneuverability, Togj Bridge is expected to enhance economic activity, security responsiveness for the Afghan National Army and National Police and provide access to governmental services such as medical facilities and schools.
“This is one of the most important projects in Farah Province. The people of Togj now have access to markets, especially the farmers who are able to transport and sell their goods at these markets,” said lead contractor for the Togj Bridge Haji Jumaahan.
The project was funded using the Commander’s Emergency Response Program, an account line established for U.S.-led PRTs to enable response to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements.
“I look at this bridge as a success, it took a long time for completion, but it’s a testament to the combined efforts of GIRoA and coalition forces. The progression of this project built capacity in Farah as it was Afghan initiated, Afghan supplied and completely constructed using Farah contractors,” said Cmdr. Peter Dalve of Jacksonville, Fla., PRT Farah chief of staff.
The prolonged completion of the bridge stemmed from the complexity and scale of the large bridge design combined with season river water level fluctuations.
“The bridge suffered many delays throughout the completion process, but the end result is something every Afghan can be proud of,” said Dalve.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2010 00:20 |
| Story ID: | 57357 |
| Location: | FARAH, AF |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 9 |
This work, Togj Bridge extends GIRoA’s reach, builds capacity, by 2nd Lt. Christine Darius, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
