School, Bridge Highlight Progress in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

July 31, 2009 - An agreement for a new school to be built and a new bridge over the Kunar River highlight continued improvements in Afghanistan. An Afghan construction company here agreed with Task Force Mountain Warrior servicemembers July 29 to build a primary school in the province's Qhargayee district.

The new school, the fourth to be built in the province, will serve as the first primary educational center for the children of Miakhan Kac village and surrounding areas. Funding will come from the U.S.-sponsored Commanders' Emergency Relief Program. All four schools are scheduled to open by spring.

In Kunar province July 27, the provincial reconstruction team assessed the Shigal district's recently completed Bar Sholton Bridge. The bridge's construction, coordinated and funded by the team using CERP funds, supports 50 to 60 vehicles per day and was built entirely by Afghans. It officially opened July 10.

"Now we have an area where we can set up our own bazaar," said Noor Mohammad, a local villager. "Also, we can now see relatives regularly. Now we have access to the district center [and] clinic, and our children can go to high school, when before they could not."

Previously, villagers had to use a rope ferry to cross the river.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)