CAMP WRIGHT – New roads and bridges in Konar prov. are going a long way to help both residents and troops in the northeast border area, U.S. military and civilian engrs say. "Overall, we all were very happy with the progress on the various ongoing road and bridge projects, and we're hoping they're finished before winter starts," said Navy Lt. Derek Elling, team engr officer. "These roads and bridges are connecting the people here to their local, provincial and national govt."
The roads and bridges are improving development by promoting commerce and transportation, said Daniel Dunleavy, USACE liaison to the Konar team. "If you give people mobility, you bring in prosperity,” Dunleavy said, citing a recently completed bridge in the Shigal Valley as an example. “They're now building a bazaar on the other side of the bridge, where before there was nothing. Wherever we put a road, commerce is right behind.” Just 2-1/2 years ago, 30 to 40 shops and a car dealership were in downtown Asadabad, Dunleavy said. Then, the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development completed the road connecting Jalalabad to Asmar, and now there are more than 200 shops and 4 car dealerships.
Regardless of where they're doing projects, the local people end up happy with the team’s efforts, Elling said.
"We're received very well because they know where we're building projects there are jobs and opportunities coming into their area,” he said. “Some are reluctant, but once they see the benefits they're very appreciative."
