Afghanistan: Restoring Infrastructure

Overview

Many of Afghanistan’s institutions and much of its infrastructure have been destroyed as a result of neglect and unrest. USAID is building and refurbishing infrastructure to boost economic growth and agricultural yields, connect rural Afghans to services, and provide facilities for better education, healthcare, civil society and local governance.

Road Reconstruction
USAID is reconstructing farm-to-market roads, provincial and district roads, and the "Ring Road". Afghanistan’s regional and national road system which links the major cities and economic centers affects over 60 percent of the population living within 50 kilometers of the regional highways "Ring-Road" that includes Kabul to Kandahar highway. More than half of the roads were damaged due to the neglect of maintenance during the years of war. To date, USAID has reconstructed:

• 421 km of farm to market roads and 116 km of district roads.
• 704 km of national and provincial roads.
• 389 km of Kabul-Kandahar Highway and 246 km of Kandahar-Herat Highway, both part of the "Ring Road" which links the main cities of Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat.
• In total 1,195 km of secondary as well as national and provincial roads and 635 km of regional highway for a sum of 1,830 km of roads nationwide.

Agriculture and Water
USAID has helped increase agricultural production through better irrigation and storage facilities. Greater production, combined with improved access to markets due to better road infrastructure, have improved Afghan livelihoods and provided alternatives to poppy cultivation. Improved water management has also led to improved health and sanitation. USAID has:

• Built 147 market centers.
• Built 11 cold storage facilities.
• Constructed 605 km of canals and 340 irrigation structures. Installed 18 km of water pipelines.
• Completed 1,260 wells and 3,250 latrines.

Energy
USAID is providing critical energy sources to Afghans by refurbishing the Kajaki Hydroelectric Power Plant. This plant generates most of the power transmitted to the southern part of the country. Units 1 and 3 have been completed, and unit 2 is underway. Construction has begun on the Aybak distribution system, which will expand power access to 3,300 new customers in northeast Afghanistan.

Telecommunications
Currently 26 of 33 provincial communications network facilities are operational. This marks the first step in the installation of provincial/district telecommunications networks, which will enhance private sector growth and assist local government.

Economic Growth
Infrastructure development is contributing to a revived economy that is sustainable, transparent and predictable. A vibrant economy helps ordinary Afghans generate income for their families and reduces temptation to engage in illicit trade from poppy cultivation. USAID has:

• Constructed three industrial parks in Bagrami (96% complete), Kandahar (44% complete), and Mazar-e Sharif (18% complete). Financing the construction of these industrial parks help stimulate investment and minimize potential business risk to investors.
• Completed and equipped 6 border posts to enable secure trade.

Democracy and Governance
USAID supports the construction of institutions and administration buildings which will allow democratic reforms to be extended and prosper. More informed and educated Afghans are becoming empowered to fully participate as citizens regardless of gender in the newly freed Afghanistan. USAID has:

• Constructed 17 women’s provincial centers.
• Developed 27 judicial facilities across 18 provinces with 8 more under construction.
• Established 31 radio stations.
• Provided 8 provincial government administration buildings and/or rehabilitated administrative structures in 5 provinces.

Education and Health
Improved infrastructure made possible through USAID programs are contributing to a better educated and healthier population. USAID has:

• Rehabilitated Kabul Women’s Dormitory, providing housing for 1,100 women.
• Constructed 477 schools and 454 clinics.

• A.F. Ferguson and Company
• Advanced Engineering Associates, International
• CARE
• CDM Constructors, Inc.
• DESCON
• International Relief and Development
• Land Bridge International, LLC
• Louis Berger Group, Inc.
• United Nations Development Program
• United Nations Office for Project Services
• United States Army Corps of Engineers
• United States Geological Survey

• Restoring 750 miles of Highway 1
• Before & After: Opening the Salang Tunnel (pdf - 217k)
• First Person: Opening Tunnel Opens Opportunities (pdf - 209k)
• Success Story: Canal Enables Farmers to Return (pdf - 157k)
• Success Story: Radio System Connects Local Governments (pdf - 204k)

INFRASTRUCTURE SNAPSHOT

Constructed 1,830 km of roads linking rural provinces with commercial centers and services.

Built 605 km of canals and 280 irrigation structures to boost agricultural yields.

Established 31 radio stations.

Developed 27 judicial facilities, 17 women’s provincial centers, and 8 provincial government buildings.

Built 477 schools and 454 clinics.

Infrastructure Profile
(pdf - 165k)

CONTACTS
Mission Director
Alonzo Fulgham
USAID/Kabul
6180 Kabul Place
Dulles, VA 20189-6180
Tel: 873-762-311955

Desk Officer
Sepideh Keyvanshad
Tel: (202) 712-0324
Email: skeyvanshad@usaid.gov
www.usaid.gov/afghanistan