MRRD News Archive
23 development projects benefiting 5058 families in Qaisar
district of Faryab province
11 February, 2009 -
 The
projects include construction of 18 km road and construction of
48 m retaining wall and 37 culverts, construction of 1 water
supply network 87 m long with the cost totals to 18 million and
400000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD under National
Solidarity Programme (NSP) with direct contribution of community
development council of Qaisar district of Faryab province.
Of note the fact is that all MRRD programs are geared to
develop the ability of Afghan communities to identify, plan,
manage and monitor their own development projects. NSP empowers
communities to make decisions and manage resources during all
stages of the project cycle. The program lays the foundation for
a sustainable form of inclusive local governance and rural
reconstruction.
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7 new development projects for 7 districts of Balkh province
02 February, 2009 -
 The
projects include 35.795 km road in different villages of Nahre
Shahi, Chamtal, Balkh, Dawlat Abad, Marmal, Khulam and Charkent
districts of Balkh province with the cost totals to 19 million
and 800,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD under NABDP/CNTF
project benefiting 4994 families in 7 districts of the province.
The
projects created 3 months employment opportunity for rural
people with 66,089 direct and 79,488 indirect beneficiaries.
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20 projects benefiting 5325 families in Kalakan district of
Kabul province
31 January, 2009 -
 The
projects including construction of 8 km road and 736 m retaining
wall, digging of 18 water wells, construction of 1 community
center, conducting of 1 tailoring course for 265 women and
girls, construction of 1417 m canal, 1 dam and 17 culverts and
as well as distribution of 20 solar panels with the cost totals
to 19 million and 200,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD
under National Solidarity Programme (NSP) with direct
contribution of rural people and community development councils.
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Safe drinking water and electricity for 285 families in Guldara
district of Kabul province
24 January, 2009 -
 The
projects include construction and activation of 1 micro hydro
power project with a capacity of 20 kw electricity and 3 deep
wells costing 1 million and 580,000 Afs funded and implemented
by MRRD under National Solidarity Programme (NSP).
Of note the
fact is that completion of the project provided safe drinking
water for 140 families in Guldara district of Kabul province and
145 families have lifted their villages out of darkness by
providing electricity for lighting.
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2 new development projects benefited 309 families in Samangan
province.
21 January, 2009 -
 The
project include construction of 2 water reservoir with a
capacity of 1200 m3 and 6 pools with a capacity of 1,115 m3
costing 3 million and 70,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD
under National Solidarity Programme (NSP) which provided
drinking water and irrigation facilities for 309 families of
Qarah Ghaach village in Aibak district of Samangan province.
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New development projects for 1215 people in in Darzab, Qushtipa
and Khamab Districts of Jawzjan Province.
18 January, 2009 -
 The
projects were include construction of 505m retaining wall and
cleaning of 1000m irrigation canal Qushtipa district,
construction of 764m retaining wall in different villages of
Darzab district and construction of 4248m irrigation canal in
Khamab district of Jawzjan province with the cost totals to 13
million and 300,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD under
Food for Work program.
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H.E. Mohammad Ehsan Zia Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development inaugurated 36 development projects costing 36
million and 200,000 Afs in Anjil District of Hirat Province.
14 January, 2009 -
 The
projects include construction of 1 community center, digging of
24 water wells and 950 m Karizes, construction of 4 water supply
networks, 1 water reservoir with a capacity of 20 m3 and 3 schools with a capacity of 800 students at one time,
construction of 7 pools, 44 culverts and 257 retaining walls
funded and implemented by MRRD under National Solidarity
Programme (NSP) with direct contribution of CDCs.
Completion
of the projects provided transportation, educational, social and
environmental facilities for 8275 families.
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Digging of 75 wells and construction of 225 latrines provided
safe
drinking water and hygiene promotion for 39 villages of Sheberghan
district in Jawzjan province
11 January, 2009 -
 The
projects costing 4 million and 900,000 Afs funded by MRRD under
Water Supply and Sanitation Program (WATSAN) will provide safe
drinking water and hygiene promotion facilities for 2195
families within 4 months.
Of note the
fact is that since the beginning of this year, 51 deep and
shallow wells have been constructed by Water Supply and
Sanitation Program (WATSAN) of the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development in Jawzjan province.
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15 new development projects benefited 15 Community Development
Councils (CDCs) in Khost province.
11 January, 2009 -
 The
projects include gravelling of 14 km road, construction of 60 m
retaining wall, digging of 74 wells, construction of 2 water
supply networks, construction of 1 pool with a capacity of 18 m3
and construction of 2 community centers with the cost totals to
11 million and 160,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD under
National Solidarity Programme (NSP).
Completion
of the projects provided transportation, water supply and
irrigation facilities for 2,000 families in Musa Khel, Jaji
Maidan and Spaira districts of the province. >>> Read more
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45 new development projects benefiting 25,000 families in
Samangan and Kunduz provinces
5 January, 2009 -
 42
development projects with the total cost of 33 million and
800,000 Afs funded and implemented by MRRD in six districts of
Kunduz province.
The
contracted projects include gravelling of 24.11 km road,
construction of 61 culverts and bridges, digging of 74 water
wells, construction of 50 m retaining wall, 260 m protection
wall for a school building and 4 community centers and as well
as establishing of 26 carpet weaving and tailoring training
courses of which benefited 9437 families in 42 villages in six
districts of Kunduz province. >>> Read more
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1937 Families were benefited from 349 metric tone Food stuffs in
Ghor Province
4 January, 2009 -
 Construction
of 153 km road, cleaning of 3.4 km canal and 349 metric tone
food items including (wheat, cooking oil, pea and salt)
distributed by MRRD under Food for Work Programme in 14
different villages of Dolena district of Ghor province.
The
completion of these projects benefited 1937 rural families and
provided transportation facilities and connected over 14
villages of the province. >>> Read more
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16 new development projects benefit over 1500 families in Herat
Province
31 December, 2008 -
 The
projects were including construction of 5km road and 28
culverts, installation of 1 micro hydro power project with a
capacity of 6 kw electricity, construction of 1 cultural center
and 1 water reservoir with a capacity of 220 m3, digging of 3294
m Karizes and 2740 m canals and establishment of tailoring and
carpet weaving courses for 77 women costing 8 million Afs funded
by MRRD under National Solidarity Program (NSP) in different
villages of Karakh district of Herat province. >>> Read more
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Over 15000 people benefited from 73 development projects in
Kunduz and Khost provinces.
27 December, 2008 -
 Implementation
of rural development projects provided environmental facilities
for 51 community development councils (CDCs) in six districts of
Kunduz province.
The
projects consist of gravelling of 26 km road, construction of
250 bridges and culverts, construction and gabion weaving of 14
retaining walls, digging of 122 drinking water wells,
distribution and installation of 44 solar panels, conducting of
40 tailoring and carpet weaving courses, construction of 10
latrines and 2 community centers with the cost totals to 35
million and 500000 Afs funded by MRRD and benefited over 12,446
families in 51 villages of six districts in Kunduz province. >>> Read more
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46 new development projects kicked off in the southern.
14 December, 2008
H.E.
Mohammad Ehsan Zia the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development today signed 46 development projects worth USD
3532533 in the province of Kandahar.
The
contracted projects include construction of water well,
construction and rehabilitation of reservoirs, construction of
roads, bridges and retaining walls and latrines. From these
projects 16 will be implemented in Kandahar, 20 projects in
Uruzgan , 5 projects in Zabul and 5 projects in Nemroz
provinces. The projects will be completed in 9 months, of which
13565 families will benefit. >>> Read more
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More than 2130 youth got employment in Samangan province
24 November, 2008
While many people are migrating to other
cites and neighboring countries due to luck of job in Samangan
province, more than 2130 persons have been involved in public
utility projects.
The
ministry of rural rehabilitation and development has started the
work of five FFW projects in Aibak city (provincial capital) in
which 2130 youth would receive 385 MT foods.>>> Read more
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Community Members Share Success of National Solidarity Program
20 November, 2008
Representatives from more than 20 Community Development Councils
(CDCs) gathered in Kabul recently to share with members of the
international community the impact the National Solidarity
Program (NSP) has had on their community and their lives.
The CDC
members, representing communities in such provinces as Kandahar,
Herat, Parwan, Balk, Nangarhar, and Badghis came to share their
experiences and those of their community as part of a full day
of workshop discussions and presentations during a World Bank
supervision mission. >>> Read more
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19 Development Projects in Nangarhar and Balkh Provinces
09 November, 2008
The
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), through
the National Area-Based Development Programme (NABDP)has
completed 19 rural infrastructure development projects in
Nangarhar and Balkh Provinces.
The
projects include the digging of 51 wells and the construction of
a 300 meter retaining wall in the Khogani and Kama districts of
Nangarhar Province, at a total cost of 69 million Afs. The
projects provided drinking water for over 2000 families and
protected 1,224 families from flooding. >>> Read more
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WFP contributed 490 tons of food items to Zabul province
26 October, 2008 -
Among 45
CDCs of Zabul province only 27 CDCs were provided with 490 tons
of food items by World Food Program (WFP). Abdul Rahman, the CDC
head of Kalat, the center of Zabul province indicated that 490
tons of food items are being distributed to workers under the
direct supervision of local CDCs through WFP in exchange to work
for rehabilitation projects.
He said:
"These projects are comprised of wells excavation, roads
reconstruction, and canals excavation for irrigation purposes.
The projects will be completed and handed over to residents in
the center, districts, and remote areas of Zabul province in the
coming three months." >>> Read more
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MRRD Celebrates World Rural Women's Day
Kabul (15 October, 2008)
Great
strides have been made in advancing the conditions and rights of
rural Afghan women, but much more must be done to reduce poverty
among rural women and to strengthen their participation in
governance structures, said His Excellency Ehsan Zia, Minister
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.
“World
Rural Women’s Day is an opportunity for Afghans to better
understand and appreciate the essential nature of the
contributions of Afghan women in rural communities,” said the
Minister. “It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the
ongoing efforts we must carry out to create the conditions
necessary to help mothers, sisters, and daughters in rural
communities improve their lives and the lives of their
families.” >>> Read more
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20 Development Projects completed in Samangan and Badakhshan
Provinces
Kabul (29
September, 2008)
Monday,
29 Sept. 2008, 20 development projects of the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development completed in Samangan and
Badakhshan provinces.
The
projects include, construction of 81.8 km road, 50 meters water
dam, construction of two water reservoirs, and construction of
800 meters canal in different villages of Rohe Do Aab District
of Samangan province costing 25,322,008 Afs funded by MRRD under
National Solidarity Programme. The people in the district
contributed 10% of the total cost of the projects. 4,078
families benefited from these projects. >>> Read more
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Thousands of Development Contracts Benefiting Rural Afghans
Signed
Over Past Three Months
Kabul (28
September, 2008)
 During
the Second Quarter of the current solar year, the Ministry of
Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) started the work of
3458 development projects worth USD 63,447,671 (equivalent to Afs 3,172,383,576) in 34 provinces. An estimated five million individuals will benefit
from these projects, which will see the creation of two million
labor days.
The
projects include safe drinking water, the repair and cleaning of
irrigation infrastructures, the construction of DBST and
graveled roads, construction of schools, health and veterinarian
centers.
In addition
to the above, the National Solidarity Programme of the Ministry
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development approved 623 projects
worth USD 13,127,853 (equivalent to Afs 656,392,672)
during September 2008. >>> Read more
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MRRD
build 15 schools in Balkh Province
Kabul, 30 August 2008:
 H.E.
Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, has
inaugurated 15 schools worth of 100,990,726 Afghanis in seven
districts of Balkh province.
With
completion of work on these schools, high-quality education
facilities have been provided for 14,575 students in Shortipa,
Dihdadi, Kaldar, Daulatabad, Chemtal, Charbolak and Nihr-e-Shahi
districts of Balkh
province. These schools were funded from the development budget
of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD)
and have been implemented by the NABDP and NSP programs with the
support of Community Development Councils (CDCs). >>> Read more
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MRRD Signed 36 more Development Project in Kandahar
Kandahar, Monday 25 August: –
 H.E.
Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, signed 36
development projects contracts worth of 3,212,053 USD for the
Southwestern provinces with private companies and Community
Development Councils (CDCs).
Twenty three
of these 36 projects were signed with the Community Development
Councils of Kandahar and Urozgan Provinces. The reaming 13
projects were also signed with the local private contractors of
these provinces. The projects are mainly in the sectors of
irrigation, Water Supply and Transport. >>> Read more
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Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Signs 8
Development Project Contracts with Private Companies
Kabul
(Wednesday, July 02, 2008):
 H.E.
Mohammad Asif Rahimi the Deputy Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development (MRRD) today signed 8 DIAG project contracts
worth USD2,729,012 with private companies.
The
contracted projects include two social & cultural centers, a
Veterinary Clinic, one Hydropower plant, 40 deep wells and three
schools. These projects will be implemented in Jawzjan, Saripul
Takhar, Kunduz, Herat, Kabul, Ghor and Bamyan provinces
benefiting 14,772 families.
Also, a new
round of DIAG District Implementation (DDI) is planned in
mid-July involving 10-12 districts in Samangan, Kunduz, Takhar,
Badakhshan, Panjshir, Herat, Badghis and Khost provinces.
Following the
signing ceremony H.E. Mohammad Asif Rahimi said:
MRRD has been
currently preparing / implementing DIAG Development Projects in
43 Districts. Out of those, 8 are signed today, 2 have been
completed, 7 are currently under construction, whilst the
remaining 26 are under preparation.
Since the
start of DIAG operation on June 11th 2005, 338 illegal armed
groups have been disbanded and 35 districts have been declared
DIAG-compliant and a total of 39,717 weapons have been
collected.
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The Minister
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Signs 67 Development
Project Contracts in Kandahar
Kandahar
(Thursday, June 12, 2008):
 H.E.
Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, today signed
67 development project contracts for the southwestern provinces
with private companies and Community Development Councils (CDCs).
The total
cost of these projects, including roads, clinics, drinking
water, retaining walls, and water intakes amounts to (USD)
2,740,354 (Afs137,017700) funded through the development budget
of MRRD.
Of these
projects, 26 will be implemented in Kandahar province, 10 in
Zabul province, 6 in Nimroz province, and 26 in Urozgan
province. In total, these projects will create will create
122,388 working days while employing 1,574 local residents. The
completion of these projects will provide 45,924 families with a
wide range of essential facilities. >>> Read more
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The Key to Rebuilding Afghanistan
By Robert B. Zoellick
Friday, August 22, 2008; Page A17
 During
a recent visit to Afghanistan, I was reminded of the
counterinsurgency principles of "clear, hold, build." In the
language of the
World Bank Group, that translates to "security, governance and
development." As events in Iraq have shown, who assumes
responsibility for
these principles is as important as the principles themselves:
Local
ownership is key to achieving legitimacy and effectiveness.
Afghanistan has achieved a great deal over the past six years.
Even with
modest capacity, strong leadership in the ministries of Public
Health,
Education, and Rural Rehabilitation and Development has begun
transforming
the country. The Health Ministry, outsourcing through
nongovernmental
organizations, is supplying basic services and has cut mortality
for young
children by 26 percent. It is saving 80,000 lives a year. New
schools offer
classes for 6 million students, the highest level ever, >>> Read more
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18,180
Families to Benefit 28 Water Supply Networks in Spinboldak of
Kandahar
Kabul
(Monday, May 12, 2008):
 With
the implementation of 28 water supply networks in Spinboldak
district of Kandahar to the end of June, the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development will provide 18180 families with
clean drinking water.
These
projects amounting US$1772236 are funded by the governments of
Canada and Japan and will be implemented through National Area
Based Programme of MRRD in different villages of Spinboldak, two
of these projects have been completed-benefiting 1000 families
while the remaining 26 projects have to be completed in next
three months.
Mr. Ajmal
Paiman, the spokesperson of MRRD said, “Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development considers the lack of clean
drinking water as a leading factor of potentially fatal water
borne diseases while only 23% of the rural communities have
access to clean drinking water. Since this year is declared as
international year of sanitation by the UN general assembly,
MRRD leverages its national programmes to accelerate the provision
of safe drinking water throughout”... >>> Read more
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Completion of 271 Development Projects in Province of Paktia
Kabul (Thursday, April 24, 2008):
 With
the completion of 271 projects of the National Solidarity
Programme (NSP) of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD) in Paktia Province, 201,382 individuals are
provided with wide range of facilities in different areas.
The projects include construction of roads, culverts, irrigation
canals, construction and cleaning of Kariz, water intake,
irrigation infrastructure, drinking water wells, construction of
water reservoir, solar, and hydro power plants, hydro and diesel
mills, Construction of Mosques and other social centers, retaining walls, literacy courses worth
Afs130,700,000 (USD 2.6million) funded from MRRD development
budget and implemented through National Solidarity Programme (NSP). >>> Read more
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The
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development Celebrates the
International Year of Sanitation
Kabul (March 16 2008):
 The
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD)
celebrated the International year of Sanitation in the Ministry
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) today.
The UN
General Assembly declared the year 2008 the International Year
of Sanitation, hence, the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development take this opportunity to celebrate this year while
reiterating its commitments.
MRRD plans
to provide 15 millions of citizens with pure drinking water in 5
upcoming years through its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (ruWATSAN)
programme. Moreover, MRRD works to improve sanitation by holding
workshops, Hygiene education and implementation of sanitation
projects through its ruWATSAN programme. >>> Read more
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The Minister
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development to Sign 19 Development
Contracts in Kandahar
Kabul (March
12, 2008):
 HE
Mohammad Ehsan Zia the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development signed 19 development contracts worth US$1,649,752
with the private companies in Kandahar province.
These project
which are designed to provide needed facilities, respond the
socio-economic necessities and improve the quality of life in
rural communities and include construction of 2 health clinics,
construction of 12.5km road, 2 water supply projects, digging of
4 wells, 3 checkdams, 3 retaining walls and construction of a
canal. These projects are planned in 8 districts of Arghandab,
Panjwaie, Takhtapul, Zherai, Arghistan, Dand, Marouf, Spinboldak
and the capital city of Kandahar province.
These
projects are implemented through the ministry’s National Area
Based Development Programme NABDP and expected to be completed
within 45-285 days.
The funding
for these projects comes from Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA) and Belgium Government.>>> Read more
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In his official trip to the United Kingdom,
HE Mohammad Ehsan Zia Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development gave a comprehensive presentation highlighting
Afghanistan’s development achievements and challenges in a
seminar held on 19th Feb 2008 at the Institute of
Development Studies, University of Sussex.
Please click on the link below to read a full report on the
topic:
A
senior member of the Afghan government stressed the success of
community-led development and microfinance in Afghanistan when
he visited IDS. Afghanistan’s Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development, Ehsan Zia, highlighted ‘major achievements’ in
his country since 2002 and recognised challenges ahead during
the wide-ranging seminar on 19 February. >>> Read more
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Despite Challenging Environment the
National Solidarity Programme is Making Significant Progress in
Building Community Institutions in Rural Afghanistan,
Finds World Bank Report
KABUL, February
04, 2008:-
 The
National Solidarity Programme (NSP), a community-led
reconstruction and rural infrastructure initiative, has made
significant achievements in empowering communities, improving
community relations, and increasing public faith in the system
of government, according to a World Bank project assessment
report released today.
According to the
report – Implementation Completion and Results Report of the
National Solidarity Programme I – the NSP has reached over 15.4
million Afghans (around 81 percent of Afghanistan’s rural
inhabitants) since its inception in 2003. As January 24, 2008,
some 19,100 communities have been mobilized while 18,303
communities have successfully elected Community Development
Councils (CDCs). Over 31,396 community projects had been
partially or fully financed, of which more than 15,111 projects
had been completed. The NSP is currently active in 352 districts
of the 364 districts. >>> Read more
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57 Rural
Development Projects for 5 Provinces
Kandahar,
(18/01/2008):-
 In
his 9th trip to Kandahar, the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD), Mohammed Ehsan Zia signed 57 contracts worth
US$ 3,004,305 for
development projects in five southern provinces of Kandahar,
Urozgan, Helmand, Zabul and Nimroz. The contracts were signed
between MRRD, the community development councils and private
construction companies.
The contracted projects are designed to improve the quality
of life of the people in these five provinces and include the
construction of 7 Water Supply Projects, 19 Retaining walls, 5
intakes, 2 Check Dams, boring of 250 wells, construction of
1.160 km road,160 m bridge and one comprehensive health clinic.
With the implementation of these new projects, 52929 labor days will be created and upon the completion, 46959
individuals in 17 distracts of Kandahar, Urozgan, Helmand, >>> Read more
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Bridge Connects Kapisa to Nijrab
Kabul- Saturday (29 /12/ 2007):
 The
construction work of Nijrab bridge officially inaugurated by Mr.
Mohammad Naim Nazari the Legal Advisor of the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) on the site in Kapisa
province in Nijrab District center. Community leaders, Kapisa
Governor, Security officials, local and provincial authorities,
and PRT team also attended the ceremony.
The length of this bridge is 51
meters and funded by European Union with a total cost
of 448,000.00 EURO (31,369,360 Afg). Through this project 47 250
labor days will be generated and more than 150,000 inhabitants
along the road will receive economical and social benefits of
this bridge.
“The 51 meters span bridge over the
Nejrab River connects the Friday market to the main market of
the district. The Friday market plays a vital role on the
livelihood of the farmers. It is in this market that the local
populations trade their livestock and vegetable produce. Said
H.E the Governor of Kapisa (Khoja Ghulam Ghaws Abobaker )”>>> Read more
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Community
Development Distribution Reaches USD $400 million in Four Years
KABUL, 9
December, 2007 –
 The
National Solidarity Programme (NSP) has reached a major
milestone with over $400 million in payments disbursed to 16,000
community development councils in Afghanistan.
Not only does
this represent a significant contribution from the International
Community it also represents an additional $40 million
investment by Afghans themselves via village level community
contributions; into wells, into schools, into community centers
and roads. It is a strong demonstration of the mass
participation in rural redevelopment and strong community
ownership that has evolved in Afghanistan.
These
payments have enabled more than 30,600 community development
subprojects to be financed in 352 districts of the 364 districts
in Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. As of November 2007, more than
19,690 communities have been mobilized by facilitating partners
working with NSP, out of which more than 18,490
communities have elected CDCs and more than 18,230 Community
Development Plans have been completed. >>> Read more
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83 Rural Development Projects for 24 Provinces
Kabul – Wednesday
(05/12/2007),
 Minister
Mohammad Ehsan Zia of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD) signed 83 rural development projects
contracts worth USD 8,589,381 with private companies.
The contracted
projects include: digging of 1095 drinking water wells, the
construction of 1 hospital, 1 VET clinic, 1 health clinic, 2239
latrines, 3 clean drinking water networks, 1 water reservoir,3
bridges, construction of 2.4 km road, 4 schools with 8 classes,
6 schools with 16 classes, and procurement of 2 generators,
establishing satellite and internet services for MRRD provincial
departments.
These projects
will be implemented in the provinces of: Badghis, Bamyan,
Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Parwan, Paktia, Paktika, Takhar,
Juzjan, Khost, Daa-e-Kundi,Zabul, Sar-e-Pul, Samangan, Faryab,
Ghoor, Kabul,>>> Read more
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Shakardara
District is connected to Kabul North Highway
Kabul - 3rd December, 2007 -
 The Shakardara Road of Kabul province, which has been completed
by the National Rural Access Programme NRAP and funded by
European Union (EU), inaugurated by Engineer Khalil Rahman
Director of National Rural Access Program . In this ceremony
attendees included the authorities of the NRAP, UNOPS, European
Commission (EC) delegation, provincial and community influential
people.
The length of
this road is 4.5 km {starts from center of Shakardara district
to Kabul parwan highway}. Through this road project 8094 working
days have been generated and 13,000 inhabitants along the road
are receiving economical and social benefits from this road.
This road was funded by the EC with an amount of $ 290,678
(14,533,917 Afghani).
.>>> Read more
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Washington Monthly
The
School the Taliban Won't Torch
Dear Reader the
National Solidarity Programme of the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development which is the flagship programme
of the government Afghanistan has brought development to most
remote villages of the country. Please click on the link below
to read a feature story on success of this programme.>>> Read more
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Community-Level Governance
Explored at National Public Consultation
KABUL - 18 November, 2007 –
 A
national public consultation, took place in Kabul from November
10 to 15, 2007 in the Loya Jirga tent to discussion and debate
about the current and future role of Community Development
Councils (CDCs) in Afghanistan.
Co-sponsored
by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD)
and the Independent Directorate for Local
Administration/Governance (IDLG), the jirga was an opportunity
for CDC delegates, government ministry representatives, NGOs,
and members of international community to observe and exchanges
views and experiences about the role of CDCs, which been
established in 345 of a total of 398 districts and provincial
centres, throughout all 34 provinces of the country.
“The jirga
allowed CDC delegates. >>> Read more
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On the 1st day of the national consultation
conference on the role of community Development Councils (CDCs)
which officially opened by H. E. the President of Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan, the Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development, H.E. Mohammad Ehsan Zia addressed the vast
gathering of representative of CDCs from across the country. We
kindly draw your attention to the complete text of his speech.
Kabul –24 October 2007,
 Excellency President,
Excellencies Ministers,
Parliament Members, Governors
Representatives
of the donor community, the
United Nations Agencies, NGOs,
Elected Members of the Community
Development Councils, Ladies and
Gentlemen.
Assalaamualaikum wa rahmatullahe
wa barakatuhu/ Good Morning.
Before continuing with my speech
I would like to pay tribute to
the Martyrs of the tragic
Baghlan incident. The death of
innocent children and our
elected representatives is a big
loss to all of us in this hall
and in this country.
I would also like to thank you
for being with us here to
witness this beautiful portrait
of Afghanistan symbolized by
this vast presence of
representatives of the Community
Development Councils (CDC) from
across the country. >>> Read more
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School Opening Creates Space for More Than
Two Thousand Students
Behzadi School at Qala-I-
Murad Big, District Of
Shakerdara, Kabul Province
Opened by MRRD Minister H.E.
Mohammad Ehsan Zia
Kabul –24 October 2007,
 A
new school in the District of Shakerdara opened during an
inauguration ceremony attended
by H.E. Mohammad Ehsan Zia,
Minister of the Ministry of
Rural Rehabilitation and
Development.
The Behzadi school at Qala-i-
Murad Big cost 9.75 million
Afs., paid for by MRRD through
the National Solidarity Program,
will allow more than two
thousand girls and boys from 30
nearby villages to attend
classes and purse their
education. The new school has 16
class rooms, a library, a
laboratory, two administration
rooms, four store houses, and a
first aid room.
During the school inauguration
ceremony, H.E. Mohammad Ehsan
Zia said: “The main objective of
MRRD is to reduce poverty,
shorten the gap between urban
and rural living, and increase
access to social services. >>> Read more
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Non-Stop
Development in the South
Kandahar - 28 September 2007,
 In his 8th trip to Kandahar this year, the
Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development (MRRD), Mohammed
Ehsan Zia signed 69 contracts
worth US$4,202,101 for
development projects in the
southern provinces. The
contracts were signed between
MRRD, the community development
councils and private
construction companies. These
projects bring the total number
of contracted projects to 480
projects this year in the
provinces of Kandahar, Helmand,
Urozgan, Zabul and Nimroz.
The contracted projects are
designed to significantly
improve the quality of life of
southern Afghans and will
include the construction of new
roads, water canals, Karez,
water networks, schools,
clinics, culverts, intakes,
mosques, retaining walls and
drinking water wells.
With the implementation of these
new projects 224,426 labor days
will be created benefiting
206,600 villagers. >>> Read more
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MRRD Brings Clean Drinking Water to a remote
District of Jawzjan Province
SHEBARGHAN – 16
September 2007,
 Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of
Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD), inaugurated
a clean drinking water supply
network in the district of
Khwaja Dukoh of Jawzjan province
– costing the National
Solidarity Programme (NSP) of
the Ministry 12,036 343 Afs.
MRRD is
committed to provide clean
drinking water to the rural
villages and as a rural
development minister; “I am very
pleased to turn on this
important network and I am sure
this will certainly help in
reducing water born diseases”,
said Minister Zia.
The pipe scheme of the network
is 21 km long and its tank can
hold more than two thousand
liter water at a time – covering
2002 households in six villages.
During today’s
visit to the province, Minister
Zia met with a local Shura - a
council of elders - to discuss
the projects. >>> Read more
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New
MRRD Programme to promote entrepreneurship in Afghanistan
Herat- Wednesday 05/September/2007,
 Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural
Rehabilitation
and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan gave a
presentation about a new MRRD initiative at a seminar on the
review of economic situation in the western provinces of the
country - initiated by the National Economy Commission of the
National Assembly of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Rural Enterprise
Development Programme (AREDP) is intended to jumpstart private
sector growth in rural Afghanistan by closing the gap over a 10
year time period. By focusing on selected “Champion Products” in
the strategic sub-sectors of the economy, and the country’s
comparative advantage, the programme aims to reduce reliance on
imports of mass consumption goods at the same time as supporting.
>>> Read more
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MRRD Opens 3 Community Centers, a Primary School, Two drinking
water networks and a Road in Heart
Herat – Monday, 3
September 2007,
 Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan inaugurated two cultural centers and a primary
school – costing a total of 11,228,204 Afs – benefiting 9,650
individuals in Enjeel and in Guzara districts of Herat province. These projects are funded
by MRRD’s flagship National Solidarity Programme (NSP).
Fundamental to NSP is the belief that people’s participation in
local governance is crucial to reducing poverty. The programme
is one of the most effective vehicles through which the human,
social and economic dimensions of poverty are addressed, said
the Minister. “What is important about this programme. >>> Read more
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84
Rural Development Projects for 21 Provinces
Kabul – Wednesday
22 August 2007,
 Rural
Rehabilitation and Development
Minister Mohammad Ehsan Zia of
the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan signed 84 rural
development projects contracts
worth 12,484,881 USD with
private companies.
In its rural development work,
MRRD adheres to a
people-centered approach,
integrated and sustainable forms
of development, environmental
protection, gender equality and
a respect for and promotion of
traditional local indigenous
culture, said the Minister.” The
aims of these projects are to
apply an integrated and
participatory development
approach to rural communities
and to enhance the sustainable
development capacity of people
in poverty-stricken areas.” >>> Read more
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MRRD Deepens its Development Commitments
across the Southern Provinces
KANDAHAR –Monday, 30/07/2007,
 Minister Mohammad Ehsan Zia of
the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development
announced 72 new projects worth
2,680432 USD for Afghanistan
southern provinces. The projects
are expected to create 100,001
working days immediate
employment and in the longer
term will benefit thousands of
families.
The Ministry is working with
district leaders to identify
priority projects and then find
ways to have them constructed,
said Minister Zia, “People have
a choice to make: either to
improve their livelihoods or
retain the status quo”.
What MRRD has achieved in the
southern provinces would have
been impossible for the
government and the leadership of
the ministry without the kind
assistance of our partners- the
Canadian Government, the British
Government. >>> Read more
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MRRD
Officially Inaugurated its New Office Facilities
July 14,
2007 (Kabul),
 First Vice – president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
Mr. Ahmad Zia Masoud officially inaugurated the new office
facilities of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD).
The
inauguration ceremony which begun with the recitation of verses
from the Holy Quran, was attended by government high ranking
officials, cabinet ministers, donors, Kabul based foreign
diplomats and some of the MRRD facilitating partners.
The
Construction work of the ministry's new office facilities
started in 1383 which include a three story main building and 6
two story building with capacity of 152 rooms and a conference
hall. MRRD Minister
Mohammad Ehsan Zia welcomed the guests and talked about the
achievements of the ministry. >>> Read more
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New Zealand contributes NZ$800,000 to Afghanistan Flagship
Development Program
Kabul,
July 9, 2007,
 The New Zealand Agency for
International Development (NZAID)
agreed today to provide a
contribution of NZ$800,000 (US$
595,920) to the National
Solidarity Program (NSP) of
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development (MRRD).
These funds will support local
communities in Bamyan province
to implement projects they have
prioritized according to their
own needs. Such projects
typically include irrigation
systems, local roads and
infrastructure, schools. The
projects are managed by the
communities, through councils
they elect, and provide work to
the local population.
NZAID views the MRRD/NSP as a
vital program to reduce poverty
and strengthen governance and
democracy at the grassroots
level in Afghanistan. Since its
inception in 2003, MRRD through
its National Solidarity Program. >>> Read more
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MRRD
continues massive development surge into Southern Provinces
KANDAHAR – Monday (04/06/07),
 Minister Mohammad Ehsan Zia of
the Ministry of Rural
Rehabilitation and Development
(MRRD) announced 62 new projects
worth 4,067,150 USD for
Afghanistan’s southern
provinces. The projects are
expected to create 280,774
working days immediate
employment and in the long term
will benefit hundred of
thousands of families.
Development
projects like these are key to
bringing long-term stability to
the southern provinces, said
Minister Zia. “Development and
security are complementary,” he
explained. “Terrorism is
actually benefiting from the
chronic poverty that prevails in
Afghanistan.”
The announcement brings the
total number of MRRD development
projects in the southern
provinces to 346 since January
8, when the Ministry took
advantage of improved security
in the area by surging
development aid into the
previously neglected region. >>> Read more
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MRRD
Brings Education, Water and Energy to Two Districts of Herat
May - 26 - 2007 (HERAT)
 Today, a wide range of
development projects are being
turned over to the local
communities by the Ministry of
Rural Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD) in Herat
province. These projects range
from construction of a school
building to the provision of
electricity, for the benefit of
almost 200,000 people.
“These projects represent
exactly the kind of progress and
rapid, comprehensive development
to which our Ministry is
committed,” said Mohammad Ehsan
Zia, MRRD Minister. “These
projects will connect 20
villages, improve children’s
education and improve the
overall wellbeing of the area.”
During a trip to Herat on May
24, 2007, the Minister
officially >>> Read more
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Spanish Provincial
Reconstruction Team Cooperates
with MRRD in Badghis
May - 25
- 2007 (Badghis)
 The Spanish Agency for
International Cooperation (AECI),
integrate the civilian component
of the Spanish “Provincial
Reconstruction Team” (PRT) and
it is currently constructing
almost 100 km of rural roads
(Qin-Sabzak, Qin-Sangatesh, Qin-Ab
Khamri, Qin – Muqar).
In order to allow for
the maintenance of these roads,
30 heavy construction machines
(trucks, graders, dozers cranes
etc…) will be delivered to the
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development in Qala-i-Naw.
Receiving the heavy
machinery, the MRRD Minister,
Mohammad Ehsan Zia said, “The
Spanish PRT is always working
side by side with our ministry.
We jointly responded to the last
floods in the province –
delivered 35 Tns of food, 4
trucks of medicines and
different humanitarian aids such
as tents and blankets.” >>> Read more
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Development
Continues in Kandahar
April - 14 - 2007 (Kandahar)
 In his fifth visit to
Kandahar province, HE
Mohammad Ehsan Zia Minister
of Rural Rehabilitation and
Development signed 50
contracts of development
project with local community
development councils (CDCs)
and private companies. These projects value more
than $ 2.4 million which
will generate 26,000 labor
days benefiting more than
25,000 individuals. MRRD
through its latest
development efforts in
Kandahar provided short term
employment to more than
7,000 villagers.
The projects include digging
drinking water wells,
construction and
rehabilitation of roads,
bridges and small irrigation
dams for three southern
provinces of Kandahar,
Helmand and Urozgan.
“Improved security as well
as support of local
government and has enabled >>> Read more
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Providing
People 40,000 Copies of Constitution Booklets
April - 03 - 2007 (Kabul)
 Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development (MRRD), in a
joint project with Counterpart
International, for better
awareness of people is providing
40,000 copies of the Afghan
Constitution.
Copies of the Afghan
constitution are printed by
Counterpart International and
its cost reaches to $112,000.
These copies will be distributed
by MRRD to all 24,000 Community
Development Councils (CDC) in
Afghanistan and to government
offices all over the country.
According to Mr Asif Rahimi,
Deputy Minister of the MRRD, >>> Read more
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MRRD’s Commitment to Accountability
and Transparency
MRRD - Afghansitan
“Our
commitment is to demonstrate to
our public and the international
community that the Ministry of
Rural Rehabilitation and
Development is a competent,
transparent and accountable
institution, using public funds
for the good of our nation. Our
door is always open to public
and donor scrutiny.” - Mohammad
Ehsan Zia, Minister.
The
Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation
and Development (MRRD) believes
that transparency and
accountability are essential for
the efficient functioning of a
modern economy and for fostering
social well-being. In
most societies, many powers are delegated to public
authorities. Some assurance must
then be provided to the delegators—that is, society
at large—that this transfer of
power is not only effective, but
also not abused.
Transparency ensures that
information is available >>> Read more
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Development Surges into
Kandahar
February - 15 - 2007
(Kandahar)
 Taking advantage of
greatly improved security in Kandahar
province, His Excellency
Mohammad Ehsan Zia,
Minister of Rural
Rehabilitation and
Development (MRRD), today
finished signing 65
contracts for development
projects throughout the
province, bringing the
total number of contracts
signed since January to
190. MRRD has been surging
USD18 million (funded by
Canadian International
Development Agency and
United States Agency for
International Development)
in development assistance
into the province in order
to bring positive changes
to the lives of local
citizens. Ministry
activities in Kandahar so
far have included
identifying community
needs, conducting surveys,
and signing contracts with
qualified local companies
Minister Zia also
announced that the Social
Protection >>> Read more
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The University of York Praises NSP
PRDU Reseach - NSP, Afghanistan
 PRDU completes
Afghan mid-term evaluation: As reported in revival issue 21, the PRDU was chosen by the
Afghan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development, and the
world bank, to undertake the mid-term evaluation of the National
Solidarity Programme (NSP) - considered the flagship post-war
reconstruction programme in Afghanistan, with millions of
beneficiaries outside the capital, Kabul. The evaluation was
conducted from July 2005 to May 2006 on the follow pages you
will find a brief summary of the evaluation report by the PRDU
team, portraying a reconstruction programme that is helping to
get a society in conflict back to development. >>> Read more
His
Excellency M. Ehsan Zia thanks the people of Canada for their
support in Afghanistan during a trip to North America.
The following is a statement he issued on the occasion of Human
Rights Day on 10 December.
Kabul and Ottawa
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