ZHARAY DISTRICT, Kandahar province, Afghanistan – An Afghan businessman received a $10,000 micro-grant from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, 82nd Airborne Division and Regional Command South, Deputy Commanding General of Support, Dec. 13.
The Bagh-E-Pol park owner, and recipient of the $10,000 micro-grant, is a huge contributor to local commerce. His park is located directly along the main thoroughfare, and near the local bazaar, which is the social and economic hub of village life in Afghanistan. The park includes a water park, shops, a shura building for both men and women, and even a small zoo.
With the micro-grant, he can make improvements to the park and hire more workers, which will stimulate the local economy.
Soldiers in 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment and local Afghan National Police have been working in the Bagh-E-Pol area to provide security and improve the infrastructure of the area. With the improvement of the park and the continued efforts of local ANP and 2-87 Infantry Regiment soldiers, Bagh-E-Pol will continue to improve.