Embassy provides funding for agricultural micro-project

Enlarge image Villagers from Kata Khel meeting with Ambassador König (© German Embassy Kabul) The Embassy’s micro-project scheme is part of Germany’s overall development cooperation that contributes to poverty alleviation and improvement of living standards, to cover the basic needs of the poorest social classes, especially in rural areas.

After the successful completion of such a project three village elders of Kata Khel village located in Deh Sabz district northeast of Kabul came to see Ambassador Rüdiger König to thank him for the support of the German Embassy towards the rehabilitation of the Kareez system in their village.

Kareez is a traditional source of drinking water for humans and animals as well as an irrigation system for agriculture. With its waterpoint (Godar) it is considered a major culture heritage too.

The recently rehabilitated Kareez is located in an area where heavy fighting occurred between governmental troops and resistance fighters and later Taliban and Northern Alliance combat groups.

Due to heavy bombing and artillery the soil around the wells and drains became unstable and the openings of the wells were destroyed. Rain water flooded into the wells.and caused clogging of the drains.

After returning from Pakistan in 2001 the farmers had to clean up the Kareez being their only water source. Mud and clay were removed from wells and drains to re-establish traditional vineyards. However, due to the various damages continuous cleaning work was necessary and the open wells remained a hazard to children and animals.

Enlarge image Work on wells in progress (© German Embassy Kabul) In 2011 the agricultural cooperative founded by the farmers asked the Embassy for financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the Kareez and proper covering of the wells with the aim to provide a more consistent supply of water. A total amount of € 23.000,00 went towards funding the project The relief agency ADRA assisted in the implementation with technical expertise and overseeing the expenses. The villagers contributed to the work with 750 hrs of hard labour. According to the village elders the water quality and amount of supply has improved significantly since the completion of the works and to the benefit of 71 families.

We are pleased that we could help the villagers!

26.01.2012