June 7, 2004
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- The Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team, based here, broke ground on three new projects in the Kohi Sofi region of Afghanistan May 11.
The PRT, commanded by Maj. Charles Westover, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, selected the projects based on the needs of the Afghans in local villages.
"About three months ago we went through with local delegates to select projects. This is what the people asked for," said Westover.
The projects include reconstruction of Chakara and Black Rock Pass roads, and the renovation and expansion of the Dandar District Administration Offices.
The PRT chose Chakara Road because the route is critical to the villagers, but is impassable during inclement weather, said Westover. "The road becomes a soup of mud and clay. The vehicles can't get through it."
The Chakara Road project includes spreading gravel over the 400-meter stretch of road and should be completed in about four weeks.
Black Rock Pass Road was selected by the PRT because it is too narrow for large trucks to navigate. The PRT has hired local contractors to widen the road and expects the project to be complete in about six weeks.
The renovation and expansion of the Dandar District Administration Offices is the PRT's first project to directly help extend the reach of the national government, said Westover.
"We are helping to solidify the transitional government of Afghanistan. The different ministries and departments working together helps solidify the government in the people's eyes," he added.
The renovations include finishing the interior walls with cement and paint, building concrete floors, replacing the roof and adding four or five rooms to the existing building. The PRT expects to complete this project in eight to 12 months.
"The community here has spent a lot of time and effort on their own improvement. They have a master plan for themselves, and we are helping them fulfill their plan and meet their goals," said Westover.
Another benefit of the projects, said Westover, is the creation of jobs for the Afghans in the community. "Because we use local contractors, they hire the locals to do the work."
The Parwan PRT is comprised of five U.S. Army civil affairs Soldiers, seven Republic of Korea civil affairs soldiers and a security element. They are responsible for the reconstruction projects in five provinces, or an area roughly the size of West Virginia, said Westover. It falls under the command of Task Force Stonewall, headquartered by Marines from Headquarters Company, 6th Marine Regiment. Through their contributions to projects like these renovations, the PRT is constantly improving the lives of many Afghans.
"The great Soldiers in this unit are a big part of the team's success," said Westover. "Task Force Stonewall is a great resource. Working together I think we are really helping the Coalition's efforts in Afghanistan."
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