Panjshir government reaches major milestone

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In a historic event, the Panjshir provincial government supervised payments to families who were adversely affected by road construction projects. The event took place in the Paryan district of the Panjshir valley, Afghanistan, Jan. 31. 

Forty families, whose property the government utilized to build the main valley road, received payments of $890 in accordance with the provisions stated in the road contractors’ contract. Twenty-four additional families received their settlements on Thursday, Feb. 4.

The Kodra Construction Company agreed with the government to pay a total of $56,960 split evenly between 64 families in Paryan. The government, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team and the construction company documented all payments with photo and thumbprint. This process will continue until all 541 affected families throughout the valley receive reimbursement for the loss of their property.

“This is truly a momentous achievement,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Hommel, Panjshir PRT commander. “Provincial government officials led the way in negotiating with the road contractors and identifying the families affected by the widening of the main valley road, and during the process built their own capability, competency and credibility.”

Hommel further stressed the significance of the event by adding, “It’s critically important not to harm the very people you are trying to help.”

Construction of the road began in February of 2008, and when finished, the “Panjshir Highway” will stretch the length of the province, from the legendary “Lion’s Gate” as far northeast as the border of Badakshan province. The development of the highway capitalizes on the benefits of modern transportation networks, including connecting people to jobs, economic development, access to healthcare, and increasing security. Just as important, the road also connects the government of Panjshir province to the central government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

“The design and execution of the road project has been a partnership between the Panjshir government and the PRT,” said U.S Air Force Capt. Joseph Gamez, PRT lead civil engineer. “Among the support they have provided, the provincial government deserves credit for taking the unprecedented lead in obtaining land for the road and paying compensation for property taken—a critical step in the development of legitimate self-governance.”

By the end of 2010, the highway will stretch 142 kilometers. The U.S. Agency for International Development completed the initial 54 kilometers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has nearly completed 18 kilometers. The Panjshir PRT is currently constructing the final 70 kilometers, the largest and most remote stretch of the road.

When finally completed, the road will directly affect the lives of the estimated 300,000 Panjshiris as it connects their farms and businesses directly to China and Kabul. It will also indirectly benefit the rest of Afghanistan, as it will open opportunities for trade and economic development.