Improving infrastructure in northern Afghanistan

Dr. Thomas Kurz, the civilian head of the German Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz Enlarge image Dr. Thomas Kurz, the civilian head of the German Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz (© AA/Jahnke) In early May, the civilian head of the German Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz, Thomas Kurz, officially opened two newly erected buildings of key importance to Takhar province in Taloqan and handed them over to our Afghan partners: the engineering faculty of Takhar University and the province’s new court building.

The new faculty building will make it possible to considerably improve the study and training conditions for engineers. It will also significantly increase the number of university places available. The new court building will provide the premises urgently needed for civil and criminal proceedings. This will greatly enhance the efficiency of the judicial authorities in Takhar.

The engineering faculty of Takhar University Enlarge image The engineering faculty of Takhar University (© AA/Jahnke) The buildings were opened in the presence of Governor Taqwa, the university dean, the supreme judge and most of the provincial government. Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) provided security. It was again evident that the ANSF in Takhar is able to ensure law and order even after the withdrawal of the ISAF forces and without their support.

The construction measures, funded via the Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), are part of the infrastructure programme in northern Afghanistan. The agricultural faculty at Takhar University has already been built within the framework of this programme. The province’s assembly hall will be completed in the near future. Furthermore, the construction of a new university library and a sports field are planned.

The province’s new court building Enlarge image The province’s new court building (© AA/Jahnke) The aim of these infrastructure projects is to help ensure stability in the province by strengthening the provincial administration and fostering civic life. At the same time, Germany is sending a clear message by implementing these measures: the start of the transition process in Takhar does not mean that we intend to lessen our commitment.

Last updated 15.05.2012

Improving infrastructure in northern Afghanistan