KABUL, Afghanistan – Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team and civil affairs soldiers met with Mandol district subgovernor, and other Mandol officials to discuss district affairs and development at Forward Operating Base Kalagush in Nuristan province, Feb. 12.
Ata Wallah, Mandol’s district subgovernor requested assistance from the reconstruction team in completing a community project that, up until now, has been totally self and community invested. The district, on their own initiative, has built 18 miles (30 kilometers) of roads and bridges to unite Mandol and neighboring Do Ab district, connecting the remote area to the rest of Afghanistan.
The completed project will allow people to travel through the terrain more easily and improve the delivery of goods and services to thousands of people in Mandol.
“I will sacrifice a month’s pay to help this project get completed, that is how much I believe in this project,” Wallah said. “The biggest problems we face with this project are security, lack of experience and very little finances.”
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bill Mallory, Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team commanding officer, explained to Wallah that reconstruction funds are available through the Afghan government to help districts like Mandol support sustainable infrastructure projects.
“We can help you, fill out a formal request to send to your governor, who will in return provide you with the resources you’re looking for,” Mallory said.
The reconstruction team members spent the afternoon clarifying the required information and helping the subgovernor understand the process.