Kabul, Afghanistan (22 February 2007). Improved security in Kandahar province has meant that the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) has allocated $18 million for building clinics, schools, roads, bridges, water reservoirs, clean drinking water networks, rehabilitating canals, and establishing small scale hydro-electric power stations.

His Excellency, Eshan Zia, the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development said: “Such a massive development surge is unique in the history of Kandahar province, particularly since projects have been selected based on extensive consultation with local people, including elected and traditional leadership.”

He went on to say: “Out of nine hundred and forty projects, one hundred and seventy two are already up and running. Projects identified by local people as priorities include building clinics, schools, roads, bridges, water reservoirs, clean drinking water networks, rehabilitating canals, and establishing small scale hydro-electric power stations. These projects will provide almost 6000 jobs.”

His Excellency, Zarar Ahmad Muqbel, Minister of Interior said: “The development assistance being provided to Kandahar province has only been made possible due to the combined efforts of local people and the local police - supported by NATO.”

Minister Zarar also said: “for too long, enemies of peace and stability, who have been unable to defeat the proud people and police of Afghanistan, have resorted to random acts of violence and intimidation to prevent the ordinary people of the Kandahar from getting the development assistance they need.”

However the people of Kandahar, in particular Panjwayi and Zheri districts, have refused to give in to terrorism and intimidation. Instead, they have actively engaged with all levels of government to implement projects which will improve the lives of their communities.”

Both Minister Zarar and Minister Zia said : “Development cannot take place without security, and security cannot take root without development. By helping provide for both, the people are setting the conditions for a lasting peace.”

Notes for Editors:

During three recent visits to Kandahar province, His Excellency Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), has signed a total of 190 projects with Community Development Councils in different districts of Kandahar, with total value of $4,322,569 out of the USD18 million (funded by Canadian International Development Agency and United States Agency for International Development) in development assistance into the province in order to bring positive changes to the lives of local citizens. Totally 971 projects have been identified by people of different districts in Kandahar and out of this number, work on 172 projects has already begun, with the estimated number of beneficiaries standing at 100,000 families, or 700,000 individuals.

In less than two months, 190 projects out of 971 projects identified are contracted with the actual work of 172 projects providing short term jobs for approximately 6,000 people started.

The Social Protection Food Assistance Unit of MRRD is also working with the World Food Program (WFP) to provide Food for Work in districts all over Kandahar. A distribution of 5,820 MT mixed food is planned during 2007 which will target about 50,820 food insecure families (approximately 304,920 beneficiaries/persons) and will provide short-term job opportunities for several thousand workers. This project will help to rehabilitate and implement projects identified by the communities and the government, including 26.5 km feeder road, 139 canals, 89 Karizes, 36 wells, 61 Nawars and 65 intakes(Sarbands). Part of this assistance is funded by CIDA.