Afghan Update: Nothing Good To Report

[unhappycamper]

http://www.dw.com/en/kunduz-fighting-puts-development-work-in-jeopardy/a-18555760

Aid workers are considered a blessing as well as a problem in Afghanistan. Their presence is not always welcome in the country. But in the embattled province of Kunduz, the effects on the NGOs are even more palpable.

Kunduz fighting puts development work in jeopardy
Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi
02.07.2015

Security alerts are a common occurrence in Imam Sahib, a district in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz. Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security forces have been raging in the area for months now. Despite that, several development organizations are still working in Kunduz.

"We are currently running a number of large projects in Imam Sahib," said the district head Imamuddin Quraishi. "We have built several government buildings and educational institutes, and a large cold storage," he said, adding that while the fighting would continue that should not stop development work in the province.

But Quraishi admits that despite all efforts, there hasn't been much investment coming to Kunduz. He laments that there is hardly any governmental attention being paid to boosting the infrastructure in the district. Many projects lack funding, he said, adding that "the roads are damaged and need to be repaired."

Mohammad Ajmal, a resident of Imam Sahib, agrees with Qureshi: "Good roads are important for the farmers who have to sell their goods, and also for patients who have to reach the nearest hospital. If there is reconstruction, there is security," he told DW.