Coalition forces repair road for Helmand village

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.03.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces completed road improvements near the village of Shir Ghazay in Helmand province, Oct. 21, improving traffic ability for local villagers as well as Afghan National Security Forces and coalition troops.

The engineers repaired four kilometers of road starting from the patrol base south of the town, weaving through the Shir Ghazay bazaar, and ending at the town of Gurjat.

The road was in terrible condition prior to the Marines’ arrival, said U.S. Marine Capt. Curtiss Peck, who assisted with the road improvements.

“It looked more like a roller coaster ride in some areas and had deep ruts that came to the tops of our [Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected all-terrain vehicle] wheels in other areas,” said Peck.

In addition to road repairs, the Marines also improved or replaced several culverts to aid in the crossing of several dried river beds, or wadis. The culverts also aided local farmers in irrigating their fields, said Peck.

“Nearly all the locals that we had the opportunity to interact with expressed a lot of gratitude for the work we were doing,” added Peck.

The improvements will not only aid the local community, but also ANSF and coalition forces who conduct daily patrols through the village, providing security from the Taliban.

“For [coalition forces], this brought them significant credibility in the town by being able to deliver on a project that improved the lives of Shir Ghazay residents and shop owners,” said Peck.

Coalition forces will continue to make road repairs throughout Helmand province, aiding the movement of Afghan National Army soldiers, NATO forces and locals, according to Peck.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2010
• Date Posted: 11.03.2010 09:07
• Story ID: 59352
• Location: KABUL, AF