Greenery Department Employee Overcomes Hardships to become a Valued Member of the Department

Ahmad working tirelessly to ensure the beauty and health of Kabul's parks and roads. Mr. Ahmad, a dedicated employee, has overcome significant hardships to become a valued member of the department. Despite losing both legs in a mine explosion over two decades ago, Mr. Ahmad continues to work with the department, responsible for maintaining the greenery on some of the most populated roads and parks in Kabul. Mr. Ahmad's dedication to his work is evident in his daily tasks, which include pruning rose bushes and other plants along Kabul's roads. He finds great pleasure in his work, particularly during the summer months when fresh flowers bloom in the city. Mr. Ahmad's passion for his job is matched by his commitment to his family, who are proud of his hard work and dedication to making Kabul a better place to live. His wife, who also lost her legs during the Afghan civil war, and their five children are a source of inspiration for Mr. Ahmad, motivating him to continue his work with the Greenery Department. The Greenery Department has received training and support from the Kabul City Initiative (KCI) project, a USAID-funded program aimed at building the capacity of municipal staff to deliver city services more effectively. The KCI project has provided training on topics such as tree pruning, tree nutrients, and park maintenance, with over 120 participants from the Greenery Department taking part in the training. Engineer Nasreen, the Director General of the Greenery Department, has expressed her gratitude for the work of Mr. Ahmad and other members of her team, highlighting the importance of the Kabul Citizen's role in greening the city. Engineer Nasreen, a diehard green thumb at heart, was appointed the first ever woman head of the Greenery Department early last year. She emphasizes the need to teach citizens, particularly children and youth, how to take care of trees and public parks, and to prevent damage to these green spaces. In recognition of his dedication to protecting the greenery, Mr. Ahmad received a letter of appreciation and a special motorbike from the department, which will enable him to better conduct his routine tasks of preserving Kabul's green landscapes. The Kabul City Initiative project has made significant progress in building the capacity of municipal staff, including the Greenery Department. The project's primary objective is to enable municipal staff to deliver city services more effectively, and the training and support provided to the Greenery Department are a key part of this effort. With the continued support of the KCI project, the Greenery Department is well-positioned to continue its important work in maintaining Kabul's greenery and making the city a more beautiful and livable place.