U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Sept. 27, 2011) — The U.S. and Afghan governments kept a promise when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $5.4 million contract to build a much-needed hospital in Shindand Monday. The funding for the project came from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program, which authorizes commanders to build healthcare projects that repair or develop healthcare facilities and services for the Afghan people.
“This is a really important project for us to undertake,” said Air Force Col. Benjamin Wham, South District commander. “There is a critical need for adequate healthcare in Shindand and this facility will greatly improve the capability of the Afghan public health authorities to meet the needs of Shindand residents.”
The Afghan Ministry of Public Health committed to fully staffing and supporting all related operations and maintenance costs when the hospital is complete and plans on budgeting $165,000 annually for the effort.
(c) ISAF