Posted on 08/22/2005 8:05:56 PM PDT by SandRat
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2005 — More than a year of hard work has finally led to the completion of a bridge project in southern Afghanistan, Aug. 10. The bridge will link the Rawanii, Raubud, Dand, Karaizak and Kawajali districts to Kandahar. The districts are usually cut off by a river during the winter months. The bridge is more than just a crossing point for the three districts on the opposite side of the bridge from Kandahar. Although the riverbed beneath the bridge is currently dry, the Tarnac River will be an intimidating barrier when the winter snows begin to melt.
“The bridge has immense value. The people face serious problems crossing here. They can't buy supplies or get medical help from Kandahar City when the river is flowing. Soldiers can't even provide security to the other side. Now they can get medical help and be secure.”
Jamil Elyassi, director of public roads for Kandahar
The bridge itself was completed mid-December 2004, but the project included a kilometer-long stretch of road improvement on both sides of the new structure.
“The bridge has immense value,” said Jamil Elyassi, director of public roads for Kandahar. “The people face serious problems crossing here. They can’t buy supplies or get medical help from Kandahar City when the river is flowing. Soldiers can’t even provide security to the other side. Now they can get medical help and be secure.”
The bridge also brought a hidden benefit said Elyassi, “These were not villages before the bridge. They were just a group of houses. Now there are three villages here.”
The bridge, which cost almost $280,000, will have an even larger economical impact, Elyassi said.
“It will increase the commercial relationship between these areas and Kandahar. It has already made things better and the bridge will continue to have a positive effect long after today,” said Elyassi.
The 700-meter-long landmark has taken on a symbolic meaning as well.
“Not only will this join the people on both sides of the bridge but it will also carry you to your future and destiny,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Ball, Kandahar’s provincial reconstruction team commander when the bridge was completed.
Ball posed a question to the large audience at the bridge opening, including Kandahar Gov. Assadullah and Task Force Gun Devil commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bertrand Ges.
“Where will this bridge take you,” he asked. “Anywhere you want to go. Hopefully it takes all of you to the polls to vote.”
“I am very thankful to the Coalition and Kandahar [provincial reconstruction team],” said Elyassi. “This is a significant symbol.
"For the past 25 years, we have had war here. For the first time I can remember we are concentrating on building. It doesn’t matter if its bridges or houses or schools or hospitals, it shows that we are moving forward, beyond the war.”
We're Building for a better tomorrow in Afghanistan. Someone tell Osama's Mama Murry about this.
BTT!!!!
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