The U.S. Government is committed to working with Afghan companies to create a comprehensive water and sanitation service in urban Afghanistan.  On August 4, USAID signed an $800,000 grant agreement with the newly formed Afghanistan Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Corporation (AUWSSC) to support water infrastructure rehabilitation, equipment purchase, and training for the municipal water departments of Mazari Sharif, Jalalabad, Gardez, and Ghazni.  Ultimately, residents of these cities will enjoy improved access to clean water and sanitation services, as well as a more sustainable water supply, to strengthen public health and hygiene.  Improved wastewater management practices will also help to protect and preserve Afghanistan’s environment.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, USAID Representative Eng. Gul Afghan Saleh stated, “This agreement facilitates the establishment of aggressive performance targets, service expansion, and high priority operational improvements that will deliver increasing quantities of clean, potable water to customers. This agreement reaffirms the commitment of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Government of the United States to strengthen local institutions and infrastructure throughout the country for the improved health and welfare of the people of Afghanistan.”