BAKTIER, Afghanistan (July 21, 2010) – Coalition forces met with Government Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) officials to discuss proposals for new irrigation wells to be built in Bakwa district, Farah Province, Afghanistan, July 21.
GIRoA officials, Bakwa shura elders, Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Farah and the Georgian Army elements under 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Regional Command Southwest, gathered together at the District Center in the village of Baktier to mend a plan that would construct 20 new irrigation wells.
The construction of the new wells would significantly improve the agricultural potential and subsequent well-being in the district. Particularly they would contribute to crop irrigation during the dry summer months, when many canals are no longer a reliable source of water.
“Hopefully we can get these wells in before they plant crops this fall,” said Darren Richardson, United States Department of Agriculture representative for the PRT.
If approved, a local Afghan contractor would utilize his own materials and supplies, in addition to hiring local labor to construct the wells. By employing local workers from the district, GIRoA can provide economic opportunity to the local population, slanting negative insurgent influence.
“This project would definitely be very, very successful. It would also allow the people [of Bakwa] to become more committed to security in the area,” said Haji Zayir, Deputy of the District Development Assembly.
GIRoA officials and the people of Bakwa will have sole responsibility for the decision of the location of the wells. A district-wide shura is to be conducted this week to discuss even distribution of the wells among the villages and tribes. A project of this size could potentially sway residents who are “on the fence” to strengthen their support to their government.
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