PRT awards Marawara Bridge contract

KUNAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.11.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – With a few small strokes of the pen, Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Kunar Provincial Government took a large step in improving the quality of life for Afghans living in Marawara District.

During a brief ceremony held at the governor’s compound in Asadabad March 6, Kunar PRT officially awarded a $450,000 contract to repair the flood-damaged Marawara Bridge to New Safi Construction Company and Suppliers, whose winning bid was chosen from a pool of more than 40.

The Marawara Bridge is only open to light foot traffic since the east side was washed out during the severe flooding which struck much of northeastern Afghanistan over the summer.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Lise Pederson, Kunar PRT chief engineer from Lakewood, Colo., said in addition to repairing the flood damage, the contractor will make improvements to the existing structure.

“The original bridge was too small for the area it was constructed in,” she said.

According to Pederson, the new bridge will have an additional span to move the end of the bridge out of the river and onto the bank protecting it from future floods.

“I am happy for this opportunity to work for my district, my country,” said Gul Miran Safi, director of New Safi Construction Company and Suppliers, “I pledge to deliver this project with the highest quality.”

“Today is yet another example of the government of Afghanistan acknowledging the needs of the people,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brian Goss, Kunar PRT commander from Annapolis, Md. “The PRT is happy to work with the government and the contractor to ensure quality projects are delivered which improve the lives of the Afghan people.”

Construction is scheduled to begin March 13 with an expected completion date in mid-September.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2011
• Date Posted: 03.10.2011 21:21
• Story ID: 66816
• Location: KUNAR PROVINCE, AF