Marjah shura leads to better water distribution

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.21.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan government officials and district elders held a community outreach shura Sunday in Marjah and came away more water for the district.

Afghan army and ISAF forces from the local village stability operation provided security to support the meeting between district elders and regional water and government officials to discuss the lack of water in southern Marjah, Helmand province.

Yar Mohammad, the governor's representative, said that improvement in the water supply available for local agricultural and civic requirements was possible -- but would depend in part on assistance from elders in the region.

The elders said they were willing to work together with others in the region to keep the canals clean and secure if district officials could make water available on a more consistent basis for residents of southern Marjah.

Director Khan Agha of the Helmund Arghandab Valley Authority said he would take personal control of the Nad Ali District water supply and close the locks to the northeast for 10 days and open the feeder canals to southern Marjah to increase the available water for irrigation and other uses in the south.

The elders agreed to work closely with government officials to continue the collaborative approach to solving complex issues confronting the region. The elders also agreed it was important to include all parties from the area in future discussions of regional issues.

Afghan and ISAF forces agreed to help government and elder representatives to support an expanded shura.

• Date Taken: 07.21.2010
• Date Posted: 07.21.2010 01:33
• Story ID: 53138
• Location: KABUL, AF