Local Afghan laborers lay the foundation of a new shura hall Feb. 24 in the governor's compound of the Nad'e Ali district center. The shura hall is scheduled to be completed within the next four months and will have a capacity of up to 2,000 people. Photo by Pfc. Luke Rollins

When the Royal Engineers of the 11th Light Infantry Brigade first arrived in the Nad’e Ali district center, they came to a stagnant area run down from insurgent control. The population was afraid to leave their homes. The bazaar – the center of local economic life – was little more than a ghost town. A local health clinic, built by Americans in the 1950′s, was destroyed by an insurgent decree against Western medicinal practices.

Now, the bazaar streets are full of the noises of bargaining shoppers and idling motors. Children shriek on the way to and from school. Not only has the local health clinic been rebuilt, but improved and expanded.

In the wake of Operation Moshtarak, the largest operation since the arrival of coalition forces in Afghanistan, the engineers are redoubling their efforts to bring a functioning public life to the citizens of Nad’e Ali.

The focus of current construction efforts is in the district governor’s compound, said Staff Sgt. John Marley, a member of the Nad’e Ali Military Stabilization and Support Team.

“The construction could start under the security and safety this bubble created,” said Marley, referring to a set of walls enclosing the compound.

Work on the compound includes 26 offices for departmental ministers and their staff and a shurah hall planned to hold up to 2,000 people. It is scheduled for completion within the next four months.

Staff Sgt. John Marley, a member of the Nad'e Ali Military Stabilization and Support Team, talks with local Afghans about issues at the local health clinic. The clinic, which was recently rebuilt after being destroyed during insurgent control of Nad'e Ali, now serves the region with a midwifery. Photo by Pfc. Luke Rollins

Outside the compound the effects of International Security Assistance Force-aided reconstruction yield their results, said Marley. New shops opened in the bazaar, and old shops have had concrete roofs attached. They have been regrouped by type in order to maintain public health standards. Also, the mud roads within the bazaar area have been covered in gravel for more consistent accessibility.

A new district mosque is planned for the area as well, and walls have already been built around the site.

The local residents comprise the work force for the area construction projects, said Marley. This encourages the local population to invest their time and effort in the construction and maintenance of their local infrastructure.

Soon, he said, the Afghan government will fund the construction projects within the districts. The engineers will play an intermediary role between the contractors and the local government.

As the current projects make their way toward completion, Marley said he has witnessed first hand an attitude shift on the part of the local population from apprehension to acceptance.

“Slowly, now, we are seeing the construction and all the people that are now employed, the shops are all open again, the health clinic, the children are going to school and getting taught. The local Afghans have welcomed us with open arms now, and they’re realizing now this is what all of Afghanistan should be getting and should have had for a long time.”

DVIDS
Story by Pfc. Luke Rollins

ISAF is aware of an incident that took place in the area of Nad-i-Ali, Helmand province this morning where ISAF forces, operating in support of an ANA operation, came under heavy and sustained fire from a clearly identified compound.

After sustained contact from the enemy from numerous positions, and having exhausted all other means of extracting themselves from the area, they called for close air support.

Two targeted air strikes were carried out as a last resort to enable the joint patrol to leave the area safely.

An investigation is ongoing. ISAF can confirm that 2 people were killed and 6 others injured. These individuals were brought to an ISAF base in Nad-i-Ali after the incident. The cause and status of these casualties has yet to be established and is subject to investigation.

After initial medical treatment, the 4 most seriously injured casualties were taken to the ISAF hospital at Camp Bastion. The 2 others remained at the ISAF base. Of the 4 taken to the ISAF hospital, 2 have since been detained. The 2 less seriously injured casualties, who stayed at the ISAF base in Nad-i-Ali, have also been detained.

Spokesman for Governor Ghulab Mangal, Daoud Ahmadi, said: “Taliban fighters have always ruthlessly used religious places, public buildings and civilian houses as their bases, which causes civilian casualties.

“Their actions are contrary to Islamic rules and Afghan behaviour.”

ISAF