USAID/RAMP UP EAST

Overview of the 2 km gravel road, culverts and retaining wall project in Karala Village, Asadabad

When the snow from the mountains begins to melt this spring, the almost 8,000 citizens of Kerala Village of Asadabad  will no longer have to fear the seasonal flash floods, thanks to the newly constructed retaining wall that will shield the village from the raging waters of the Pech River.

The 660-meter long retaining wall is part of the 2-kilometer gravel road project in Kerala that USAID funded after Asadabad residents identified the project was as a priority during a citizen forum organized by the mayor.

Every year, the seasonal flooding threatens the lives of the residents in Kerala village and destroys homes and properties. Mud and silt from the river are deposited on farm lots that require many days and intensive labor to clean up. Before the road was constructed, vehicles could not pass this strategic route, which connects Asadabad to Nuristan Province.

“By directly addressing and engaging the concerns of Kerala residents regarding potentially destructive floods, we increased people’s confidence in the government,” – said Kunar Governor Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi at the handover ceremony yesterday.

Asadabad Mayor Abdul Ghani Abbasi praised the project as one of the biggest achievements of the Asadabad municipality. He said: “With support from USAID, we addressed the needs of our people, provided employment opportunities to the local residents, and built a relationship based on trust with our fellow citizens here in Asadabad.”

USAID Senior Development Officer Greg Huger lauded the governor and the mayor for their effort in bringing basic services to their constituents. “Mayor Abbasi and Governor Wahidi work very hard to provide the necessary services to the people of Asadabad,” – said Huger.

Asadabad is one of 14 municipalities assisted by the USAID-funded RAMP UP East Project, which aims to build the capacity of municipalities, improve the delivery of basic services to citizens, and increase economic development and revenue-generating capacity. Other RAMP UP East activities in Asadabad include the construction of three sections of a 300 meter retaining wall along Dam Kelay Stream, a 1,300 meter drainage ditch along the main Asadabad Road and a 600 meter drainage ditch along the main Asadabad Road through the city market area.

2012 03 26 Press Release Asadabad Gravel Road Handover (English)

2012 03 26 Press Release Asadabad Gravel Road Handover (Pashto)