FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 2, 2008                                                                           

Release Number 20080212-02 

ANSF, Coalition forces building bridges for community

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers from the 205th Corps and Coalition forces celebrated with local villagers Monday at a ribbon-cutting for a new low-water bridge near Kandahar city.

The new bridge, called the Commando Bridge, will provide easier access to areas around the city, including a bazaar, a school under construction, and a nearby highway.

A rainstorm several months ago flooded the creek that the new bridge spans, making travel through the area difficult.

The 205th Corps approached Coalition forces about the need for a bridge.  After consideration, the project was funded through the Commander’s Emergency Response Program which allows leaders to fund projects that meet urgent needs of the local population.

For projects throughout Afghanistan, a proper balance has to be reached between security and development.  In this case, workers’ safety was a concern.  However, despite militants’ death threats against the workers, the project was completed within a few weeks and will be of great benefit to the community, said Brig. Gen. Shir Mohammad Zazai, 205th Corps commander.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in completing the Commando Bridge,” the general told those gathered at the ribbon-cutting.  “These projects really help to improve the area and will help to make the area better.”

One of the laborers who worked on the bridge said, “it was very difficult last winter for people to travel and transport things through the area.  They weren’t able to move things through easily.  Now it will be much easier.”

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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force.  Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.

Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 0093 (0) 788 189 049

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