PRT LASHKAR GAH, HELMAND PROVINCE: MUSA QALA STABILIZATION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 004143 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO DAS CAMP, SCA/A STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG NSC FOR JWOOD OSD FOR SHIVERS CENTCOM FOR CG CSTC-A, CG CJTF-82 POLAD SENSITIVE, SIPDIS E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: MCAP MOPS PREL PGOV PTER PHUM AF SUBJECT: PRT LASHKAR GAH, HELMAND PROVINCE: MUSA QALA STABILIZATION OPERATIONS REFTEL: ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. Task Force Helmand (TFH) is fully engaged in stabilization operations in Musa Qala and their Military Stabilization Team (MST) has identified health, education and road projects for immediate reconstruction. PRT officers and GoA officials visited Musa Qala on Dec 16, and were briefed on reconstruction plans of the city. The MST estimated 400 people are returning daily to the city and ANA forces said shops were reopening as supplies could now arrive. The city has partial electricity and the Roshan tower is repaired and Musa Qala has cell coverage. The PRT group spent five hours in the city and reviewed the proposed reconstruction sites. END SUMMARY. Reconstruction a Priority -------------- ¶2. (SBU) PRT leadership traveled to Musa Qala on Dec 16 with Helmand Ministries of Reconstruction and Rural Development (MRRD) and Health directors, three members of the Provincial Council and Independent Directorate for Local Governance (IDLG) Deputy, Akber Aferdi. The group was briefed by the MST and General Muhaidan on security and development issues. Muhaidan said that security situation was stable and three checkpoints were already under construction. The MST agreed that the city was calm and they had carried out a quick survey of short and long term development projects. They said some buildings within the city had been damaged but many were only in disrepair and could be ready to use quickly, this includes a school and several clinics. Schools and Medicine -------------- ¶3. (SBU). The MST said the city high school and public clinic are in fairly good condition and could be repaired in a matter of weeks. The high school needs cleaning, painting, and furniture but the facility is in fair condition. The MST is trying to locate former teachers and started a cash for work program to clean the facility and the playground. The public medical clinic needs minor repairs and the MST thinks it can also be working in a few weeks. Several staff members were at the clinic location and they told poloff they have medical supplies but more equipment and supplies are needed. The MST is conducting an inventory to determine what supplies and medical equipment are on hand. The MST said many people are asking when the school and clinic would be repaired and are pleased to see reconstruction efforts underway. Long Term Development -------------- ¶4. (SBU). The MST also reviewed several larger projects that are important to the next phase of stabilization. The central Mosque has been totally destroyed and will need to be completely rebuilt. Residents told poloff the Taliban elements destroyed the Mosque some time ago and this did not happen during the battle. The city administration building and a private clinic require major reconstruction and the main city road will have to be repaired. The MST said several contractors are already in the city and work can begin on the road repair in a short time. The larger building projects will require plans, local approval and site clearance before construction can begin. Comment: -------------- ¶5. (SBU) The residents of Musa Qala are pleased the initial reconstruction is underway and all said they welcome substantial support from ISAF and their government. Many residents were happy to see Helmand officials with the PRT group and many came forward to voice ideas for repairing the city. The TFH officers said they were surprised how quick the city recovered in just a few days and estimated 400 residents were returning daily. ANA officers said supplies are arriving in the city and many local vendors are back open. TFH's immediate reconstruction efforts have made a good impresson on Musa Qala residents and bought valuable time to allow sustained development to move forward. KABUL 00004143 002 OF 002 WOOD