ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In the western world, when the name Afghanistan is spoken, it conjures up images of roadside bombs, suicide vests, explosions, carnage, firefights in the streets and flag-draped coffins. Many conversations involving the war on terror focus on the death, destruction and negative aspects of this costly, decade-long conflict. Very few people take time to consider the positive effects of the war, and those who are working to peacefully build a more secure and stable nation.
Provincial Reconstruction Teams throughout Afghanistan work hard to teach the local people how to help themselves. The engineers from PRT Zabul are involved in several projects designed to create a more self-reliant people. They work with local contractors to help build schools, health clinics, office buildings, bridges, roads and walls.
“These projects are adding new or renovated buildings to the infrastructure of the Afghan government,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Morgan from Palatka, Fla., a civil engineer for PRT Zabul. “In the long run, I think the projects provide much needed, updated facilities while also teaching and mentoring Afghans on proper construction.”
The process is slow and often frustrating for the well-trained, experienced members of PRT Zabul, but they are determined to succeed.
“I think with proper direction, good judgment, and sound guidance to the contractors, we will be able to provide schools, clinics, bridges, and roads among other things, that will benefit the entire province for decades,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Steuart, a civil engineer from Tucson, Ariz. “A few years ago it was unimaginable that there would be fully staffed clinics and schools in most cities and villages. Now they're accessible by most of the population.”
The engineering projects have frequent setbacks that delay progress, but even the smallest successes are enough to revive hope and confidence in the success of the PRT mission.
“Sometimes we will get a contractor whose design or construction management skills far exceed those of your typical construction company from Zabul province,” said Air Force Capt. Jonathan Ball from Garland, Texas, PRT Zabul’s senior engineer. “However, I am just as impressed by those who make a small, honest mistake, but listen to us when we correct them and happily correct their work so that it meets our standard. It is encouraging to see the people who truly take pride in their work.”
For all the temporary negative effects of the war, there are lasting positive changes taking place. The Afghan people will not always have to rely on foreign aid for their survival, and the evidence can easily be seen through the efforts of groups like PRT Zabul.
“Occasionally, I will see a construction site that is not ours,” said Ball. “It encourages me to think that there are Afghans out there who are trying to improve Zabul province, just like we are.”
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2011 09:54 |
| Story ID: | 77558 |
| Location: | QALAT, AF |
| Web Views: | 319 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Zabul PRT helps build Afghanistan, by SSG Rebecca Petrie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
