Canal upgrades begin in Kandahar Province

Courtesy Photo | A pump from a karez draws water to irrigate fields near Molla Kuchi Valley.  

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

04.16.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The 207th Infantry Brigade recently began work on a $46,000 project intended to repair, upgrade and clean canal systems in the village of Takhta Pol in Daman District of Kandahar Province. The contract will also upgrade the Takhta Pol Karez – a gravity based system, which exploits ground water for distribution through the canals.

About $48,000 has also been dedicated to the repair, upgrade and clean canal systems in the Village of Mowmand, also in the Daman District. These two projects will increase water use for agricultural purposes as well as improve the quality of water supplied to approximately 40,000 villagers in Daman District. The contracts also provide employment opportunities for locals within the village.

"It is important that we invest in construction projects. We need to focus on projects that will help improve industry, commerce and education, along with improving the quality of life," said Col. Richard Stephen Williams, 207th Infantry Brigade commander and U.S. National Command Element South.

"Investing in construction projects and providing employment opportunities for young men will decrease the reason that most young men join and fight alongside the Taliban," he added.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2007
• Date Posted: 04.16.2007 13:53
• Story ID: 9936
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF