BADGHIS PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan officials cut the ribbon that symbolized the start of construction of an improved road project that will link the cities of Moqur and Darrah-I-Bum, Sept. 30, in Moqur district, Badghis province.
The $900,000 project will employ more than 300 locals and link the two regions, of which Darrah-I-Bum is a historic trading hub in the province. The 25-kilometer road, which will be composed mainly of materials derived from dried riverbeds in the local area, is estimated to be complete by the end of the year.
In attendance were several members of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, to include Badghis province Governor, Delbar Jan Arman Shinwari, who cut the ribbon celebrating the fact that the road will be built … by the Afghan people, for the Afghan people.
The governor thanked the Coalition forces and all of the donors who contributed to this project. He went on to say, “I hope this project will help to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Moqur and Darrah-I-Bum.”
According to a Marine Corps captain involved with the project, this is a pivotal step in demonstrating the Badghis government’s commitment to the cities of Moqur and Darrah-I-Bum. An improved road is crucial for the local economy to grow, open new markets, reduce local prices and extend the influence of local governance.
“A lot of the people who live near this project will now be directly involved with it and will have jobs that contribute to the completion of this road,” the governor said. “I hope that the people will take an active role in helping with the security of this project. This road will be constructed for the people, not for the military. I hope to see more projects like this for the future of Afghanistan.”
None of this would be possible without the sacrifices of the Afghan security forces alongside Marines, sailors and soldiers who have been in a 12 month battle to clear the Moqur River Valley of insurgents and creating the conditions for a project like this to be accomplished.
| Date Taken: |
09.30.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
10.05.2010 01:14 |
| Story ID: |
57503 |
| Location: |
BADGHIS PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
95 |
| Downloads: |
7 |
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