Road provides link from Arghandab valley to Zabul provincial capital
ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – The deputy governor of Zabul province Gulab Shah declared the road from Arghandab to Qalat open during a shura with village elders in Deh Afghanan, Nov. 21.
The opening of the 30-mile road in northern Zabul creates a critical transportation link from the Arghandab river valley to the provincial capital Qalat.
“Opening this road is a result of the increased capability of the Afghan National Army training and mentoring programs, as well as the additional military posture of [International Security Assistance Forces] in southern Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Andy Veres, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul commander. “It means greater partnering opportunities in the future with the civilian and military members of the PRT, who work on governance and development in the district.”
During the shura, he encouraged farmers to travel to Qalat and start trading their produce.
“The route is open,” said Shah. “This is just the beginning of the work in Arghandab and a start of a prosperous future.”
In the past, travel on the road was slow, dangerous and could take more than one day to complete.
Although the gravel road is still rough in certain spots, the deputy governor proudly counted off over a dozen vehicles hauling coal and fruit to the bazaars of Qalat.
For the road to remain viable in the future, the deputy governor stressed the cooperation needed from the villagers.
“We are all responsible to defend our country from the insurgents, no exceptions,” said Shah. “We have had enough killing and it’s time to end the violence. Let’s work together, jointly, to unite our country.”
Veres said the road would allow improved trade, better access to the services of the provincial capital and expansion of development along the road.
“Today is a significant day because the provincial leadership could safely travel to the Arghandab district by road for the first time in over five years, a major milestone for security and stability in the province,” Veres said.
He also stated that with the road open, the reconstruction team would be able to assess the area for further development projects.
“We are going to be incorporating PRT detachments throughout the various districts so that our teams can embed and live with the community, become familiar with the key issues and enhance the capacity of the local government,” Veres said.
“To re-affirm our commitment to the development of this fertile river valley, the PRT has located a detachment of personnel in Arghandab to assist in building government capacity and infrastructure,” he said. “There is lot to do, but the sense of optimism among the local residents has never been stronger.”
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