MRRD News Archive

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 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 19^th 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: 

 Community Councils and Microfinance Boost Development in Afghanistan

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 9^th 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 - 3^rd 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 1^st 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 8^th 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

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MRRD Opens 3 Community Centers, a Primary School, Two drinking water networks and a Road in Heart

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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.

Summary List of the Projects Signed

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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
 

Summary List of the Projects Signed

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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

Website: http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/poli/prdu/

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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

Over the past 10 days I have had the privilege of traveling across this great nation in order to thank Canadians for their security and development contributions to lasting peace and democracy in Afghanistan. I have met with academics, government officials, students, business leaders and other Canadians, to explain the difference Canada is making, specifically to my Ministry, through which most Canadian development assistance is directed.On this auspicious day as we commemorate Human Rights, My message from the 80% of Afghans who live in rural areas is that Canadian security and development assistance is having a real impact on their lives, particularly those living in the poorest and most remote areas of our country. Even before the Soviets invaded in 1979, our country was amongst the world's poorest, but over 23 years of near continuous warfare completely destroyed Afghanistan. >>> Read more

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Minister of Rural Development and Rehabilitation Visits the United Nations and Canada

Ottawa - His Excellency Mohammed Ehsan Zia, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD), accompanied the Afghan Presidential delegation on visits to the United Nations Headquarters and Canada from September 18 - 25, 2006. During the visit, Minister Zia met with senior representatives of the United Nations and the Canadian government, including the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which is helping disburse close to $1 billion in Canadian aid over 10 years to help with Afghan reconstruction, poverty reduction and governance

"The visit provided an excellent opportunity to hear the message of President Karzai, and demonstrate the commitment of the Afghan government to achieving the UN-mandated goals of the Afghan Compact." said Minister Zia. >>> Read more

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Interview with Mohammad Ehsan Zia:
"Afghanistan must sit in the driver's seat"

Source: Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
October 1, 2006

Interview: Tillmann Elliesen

Observers agree that the drugs economy contributes to insecurity in Afghanistan, especially in the south of the country. So far, efforts to reduce opium poppy cultivation and to promote alternative crops have hardly borne fruit. Mohammad Ehsan Zia, Minister for Rural Rehabilitation and Development of Afghanistan, elaborates on how to improve the situation.

Afghanistan's opium trade is flourishing: Opium exports were equivalent to 50 % of Afghanistan's licit gross domestic product

Last year nearly nine percent of the Afghan population  >>> Read more