Combined Joint Task Force-82
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A ground-breaking ceremony, March 23, in northern Laghman Province signalled the start of major reconstruction in a remote valley where coalition forces have historically fought anti-government insurgents.
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials, along with the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team, celebrated the start of construction for a 12-kilometer gravel road and 30-meter vehicle footbridge into the Gonapal Valley.
The Gonapal Road and Domlech Bridge will be the first-ever to be built into this valley, nestled in the northern part of Alishang District.
"Until now, the Gonapal Valley has been out of reach for reconstruction due to interference by anti-government militants," said Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Bredenkamp, commander, Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team. "Reconstruction can now begin thanks to the efforts of elders here who've had the vision and courage to reach out to the government and bring attention to Gonapal."
Once complete, the projects should create better economic opportunities for villagers by decreasing the time it takes to get goods to markets, according to the commander.
In the past, Gonapal Valley was known for cheese production, said Javid Shamsi, Afghan cultural specialist, Mehtar Lam PRT. Gonapal cheese is sought after by Afghans throughout the region. However, droughts in the past few years have decreased production.
"Their cheese is harder to find in the bazaars these days," Shamsi said. "The road and bridge should help families improve the cheese business (through more trade)."
More recently, Gonapal was known as the former home of one of Laghman's most notorious anti-government insurgent commanders—Abdullah Pashtoon. The insurgent grip in the area loosened after a key terrorist leader was killed in December 2006 during an International Security Assistance Force air strike.
"Enough blood has been shed in this valley," Bredenkamp said. "The time has come for peace and reconstruction."
Gonapal Road should be complete in eight months and Domlech Bridge in six months.
"We expect the construction companies to do high-quality work and build a road and bridge that will stand for years to come - a symbol of the commitment by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to improve the lives of its people," Bredenkamp said.
Construction of a flood protection wall is in the planning stages for Gonapal and a school is being built in Gondali Village.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2007 14:23 |
| Story ID: | 9628 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 107 |
This work, First road, new bridge to be built in Gonapal Valley of Laghman Province, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
