Herat: Development Needed in Shindand District

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 000159 DEPARTMENT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM STATE PASS TO AID FOR ASIA/SCAA NSC FOR WOOD OSD FOR WILKES CENTCOM FOR USFOR-A COS, CG CJTF-101 POLAD SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ETRD EAID AF SUBJECT: Herat: Development Needed in Shindand District Summary -------------- ¶1. Development lags in the critical district of Shindand, astride the ring road, the last spot of poppy cultivation in Herat province and center of intensified Taliban activity after the August 2008 Azizabad civilian collateral damage incident. A refined development program emphasizing water for agriculture, roads, and a district hospital would greatly complement ongoing security efforts by Afghan National Army (ANA),Afghan National Police (ANP) forces, and Coalition Forces to stabilize this important district. A meeting of Italian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT),Regional Command-West CIMIC, ARSIC West Civil Affairs, USAID, and State officers on January 16 was the first step to coordinate such efforts. Development Lags -------------- ¶2. Shindand lags far behind other districts in the province in development. While 70 percent of all villages in Herat province have benefitted from a community-chosen National Solidarity Program project, only 11 percent of Shindand's approximately 450 villages have benefited. The Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development (MRRD) would like to focus on Shindand in 2009. Shindand's Zirkoh valley is particularly problematic: it is the only poppy-growing area left in Herat province, infiltrated with Taliban seeking to exploit collateral damage incidents and beset by tribal disputes. Top Three Priorities for Development -------------- ¶3. Dr. Homayoun Azizi, the Chairman of the elected Herat Provincial Council, is an influential politician with no political party affiliation. He emphasized three priorities for development projects for his home district -- water for agriculture, asphalt-paved roads, and a district hospital. Traditional karezes (a series of wells and linked underground channels that uses gravity to bring ground water to the surface) have fallen in disrepair. Refurbishment of karezes would be an investment in agriculture, the chief livelihood of the residents. Many residents of Shindand are unemployed, impoverished, and hopeless. Using local labor, perhaps in exchange for food or cash, would inexpensively complete the project and provide inhabitants with a sense of hope for the future in a district where residents are susceptible to Taliban influence. In addition to refurbishing karezes, building a small dam at Band-e Wakhal in the eastern, upland part of Shindand would increase the flow of water in the karezes. The dam would also help alleviate seasonal flash-flooding. The technical impact and feasibility of this dam has yet to be determined. ¶4. In addition to the increased volume of water for agriculture is the Shindand Agricultural Research Center, established by the U.S. military civil affairs team at Shindand Air Base, with USAID support for three Afghan agronomists who are recent graduates of Herat University Agriculture Faculty. However, this research station, which already has been active in wheat, fruit trees, grape orchards, bee keeping, and fish ponds, needs an owner, some assistance to help it become self-sufficient, sustainable over the long run. ¶5. Paved roads are Dr. Azizi's second priority. The Italian-led PRT is widening and graveling the 28-km road running from the Ring Road to the Shindand district center and building a connecting bridge across the Zirkoh River in the problematic Zirkoh Valley. Dr. Azizi insists that for economic and security benefits, paved roads are far superior to gravel roads. A recent shura in Shindand agreed on only one project unanimously: asphalting this 28-km road. Note: Due to limited funds, the Italian PRT will not fund or construct large infrastructure projects such as dams or paved roads. ¶6. Dr. Azizi's third priority is a district hospital which is also lacking in Shindand, but was included in the the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. The provincial health department director, Dr. Reshad, confirmed Dr. Azizi's belief that if the existing community health center is upgraded to a district hospital or a brand new district hospital is built, the Afghan government would be able to staff it. NOTE: ARSIC West received plans from Kabul for a district hospital in Shindand with the notation that this is a high priority of President Karzai for Shindand. In a trip to Azizabad after the August 8 collateral damage incident, he promised the people of Shindand a district hospital. Possible Funding Sources -------------- ¶7. CERP funds, the Italian PRT small infrastructure projects, KABUL 00000159 002 OF 002 possible Cooperazione Italiano projects, possible USAID resources, and the MRRD focus on Shindand, are all possible funding sources for a concentrated, truly focused effort on key development projects to reinforce and further recent security gains. ARSIC West civil affairs team have access to CERP funds and are looking for effective projects to reinforcing the ANA and build synergy between security and development efforts, especially in southern Herat province. ¶8. In a January 16 meeting at Regional Command-West, which included ARSIC West Civil Affairs, RC-West CIMIC, PRT CIMIC, and DOS and USAID representatives, participants shared information on existing and proposed projects for Shindand. Various proposals were made by Afghan actors regarding different funding sources and ways to implement Afghan priorities with Afghan buy-in. WOOD