Residents of Nangarhar, one of the most populous and commercially important Afghan provinces, have been working hand-in-hand with the government.
That cooperation paid off in a big way in 2009.
Many projects have been completed by the Rural Rehabilitation and Development (RRD) office and the US-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT).
Engineer Ahmad Wali Hakam, the head of rural rehabilitation and development, said that last year, more than 3,100 projects were completed or are under way in the province.
The projects include the building of gravel roads, schools, bridges and new water supplies for thirsty residents.
Many Nangarharis have witnessed these improvements made by the provincial government and benefitted from them.
Dagoo village in Chaparkhar district is an example of the positive changes brought to people’s lives.
In the past, the people of Dagoo had to walk many hours to bring water to the village, especially important during the hot summers.
They are now the proud users of a hand pump well in the village.
“RRD has provided more than 730 wells in Chaparkhar district alone, and many people now have access to clean drinking water,” said Engineer Hakam.
Local representative of the people, Abdul Baqi explained the positive impact on his fellow villagers: “In the past, we had to run many hours to get water, and it was not safe to drink. Now we have clean and safe water next to our houses and we are very happy.”
Education is also vital to the province and the nation. Keeping that in mind, provincial leaders and the PRT has done much work to improve conditions for school children.
According to education officials, more than 170 school buildings have been completed in Nangarhar in the past year.
Nasrudeen, 15 and a student, is very happy about these developments. “In the past, I could not go to school. Our village had no school building. Now that we have one, my friends and I are excited to go to school.”
Transportation infrastructure has also improved.
