New bridge increases commerce, improves quality of life

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (February 25, 2008) - Until recently, a large obstacle stood in the way of the people in the villages of Tupak and Nalyar in, Nurgaram District, Nuristan Province.

That obstacle was removed when the Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team funded an 82-foot-long, $100,000 bridge across the Alingar River Feb. 18. Local residents once travelled into another province before doubling back on the opposite side of the river. This round-about trip involved an unnecessary two-hour car ride.

"The lack of easy access was directly affecting commerce and quality of life," said Lt. Kenneth Vander molen, a civil affairs officer with the Nuristan PRT. "This project allows easier farm to market transportation and enables villagers to commute to distant employment sites," he explained.

The reinforced-concrete bridge is strong enough to allow large trucks to cross and employed more than 50 unskilled workers for nearly six months.

"This bridge also increases public safety," said Lt. Stanley Lam, an engineer with the Nuristan PRT. "Villagers no longer have to risk dangerous river crossings. It also provides direct access by emergency medical vehicles to several villages." He said.

Members of the PRT worked in coordination with district and village shuras, to ensure that the bridge would meet the needs of the population.

The bridge also acts as a gateway for easier access to future reconstruction and development sites in the area.