US, Polish forces build relationships in Ghazni

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of Texas Army National Guard Ghazni Agribusiness Development Team-IV joined Polish Battle Group A to conduct a unified mission in three villages outside Ghazni City Jan. 17-18.

The mission was to perform site assessments and build relationships with the local population in the villages of Qalati, Zargar and Pir Shabaz close to Forward Operating Base Ghazni.

In each village, local leaders were invited to discuss concerns and grievances with coalition forces, as well as share details and progress of ongoing repair projects previously addressed by Ghazni ADT-IV.
 
From prior discussions with the village leaders, Ghazni ADT-IV was aware of a consistent and well-known problem: a lack of water. Many areas in Afghanistan, including Ghazni Province, have faced years of drought conditions which have significantly reduced the water table. In May 2010 Mohammad Asif Rahimi, the Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, was quoted in USA Today saying, “In Afghanistan, 85 percent of the population relies on agriculture to earn a living.”

However, measures can be taken to offer immediate relief to current problems.

Director of Public Works Nezamuddin shared how a main drainage system and two culverts in the village of Qalati were crushed by coalition forces’ vehicles on a previous visit to the village in December.  

Commander’s Emergency Relief Program funds were used to repair the drainage system and culverts.

“Using bulk CERP funds in this way offers quick solutions to immediate problems, giving villagers increased confidence in their local leaders and coalition forces,” said U.S. Army Capt. Wade L. Aubin from Austin, Texas, CERP funds manager for Ghazni ADT-IV.

Because village leaders were attending a funeral during the site assessment, they were unable to meet with the CF. However, one of the village residents, Mohammad Wali, reported the village leaders had decided to place the completion of the project on hold until the weather warms in the spring. This repair will greatly improve water management in the village.

During the assessments conducted during the patrol at Qalati Village, Ghazni ADT-IV found the supplies had been purchased and work had begun. Village leaders have decided, however, to hold off on project completion until the weather warms in the spring.

On the second day of patrols, the combined units conducted a village assessment of Pir Shabaz, located on the banks of the Ghazni River on the east side of Ghazni City. Most villagers of Pir Shabaz are farmers who grow radishes, leeks, onions and potatoes which they sell at the local market or at the bazaar in Ghazni City. While the water levels are much lower than usual due to the ongoing regional drought, this village is able to access the water in the river to irrigate their crops and trees during the winter.

Despite the low water levels, village resident Jaleed, a farmer who sells his produce in the local market, said his crop output was good and business was steady.

“We demonstrated our willingness to listen to their problems, hear their concerns, and try to find solutions by facilitating their issues through their leaders and governmental officials,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Grant Gillaspy of Fort Worth, Texas, Ghazni ADT-IV project manager.