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Reconstruction Team Completes Afghanistan Canal ProjectBy Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart Special to American Forces Press Service
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NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, April 20, 2009 Joined by government and local leaders, the provincial reconstruction team here celebrated the completion of the Grand Canal repair project during an April 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jalalabad.
![Click photo for screen-resolution image Click photo for screen-resolution image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506005907im_/http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/newsstoryPhoto/2009-04/lrs_090412-F-6454H-001.JPG) Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province and Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team commander Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Cabosky take turns cutting the ribbon for the Grand Canal repair project during a ceremony in Jalalabad, April 12, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. |
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The repairs took about nine months to complete and cost $2.8 million, covering nearly 40 miles of canal spanning four districts. The contractor repaired 850 gates and installed five new siphons to help to control water flow and double the irrigation capability.
Nangarhar Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai and PRT commander Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Cabosky, along with other government and tribal officials, spoke to the crowd about the benefits the repaired canal will provide to the province’s agriculture economy.
“This project represents hope for the people of Afghanistan,” Cabosky said. “It was identified by the government as one of the most important needs of the province, and was a coordinated effort between the government and PRT. Afghans will enjoy the fruits of this project for years to come.
“The canal repairs provide better irrigation, more crops, more jobs and a better economy for the Nangarhar people,” Cabosky continued. “While the enemies of Afghanistan offer only destruction and death, this project demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a better future for the children of Afghanistan.”
The project will directly benefit more than 60,000 families, Sherzai said at the ceremony.
“Reconstruction in Nangarhar is successful because we have the support of the people,” the governor said. “The Grand Canal was one of our biggest projects, and it was repaired through the help of our friends. It’s a very important project, and today is a great day for all Nangarhar people.”
(Air Force Capt. Dustin Hart of the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team serves in the 1st Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
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Related Sites: U.S. Forces Afghanistan
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![Click photo for screen-resolution image Click photo for screen-resolution image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506005907im_/http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/newsstoryPhoto/2009-04/thm_090412-F-6454H-003.jpg) | The provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province funded a $2.8 million project for the province’s Grand Canal, repairing nearly 40 miles of the canal. The project included the repair of 850 gates and installation of five new siphons, including the Moqam Khan siphon shown here. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution | ![Click photo for screen-resolution image Click photo for screen-resolution image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090506005907im_/http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/newsstoryPhoto/2009-04/thm_090412-F-6454H-004.JPG) | Gov. Gul Agha Sherzai of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province is interviewed following the April 12, 2009, ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Canal repair project, which was funded by the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Dustin Hart Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution |
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