LAGHMAN, WELL

Project correspondence dates back from as early as 1/27/66, but no copy of the official RGA request has been found. Well drilling got underway in 1/68 and was completed 4/7/68. During 11/68, three purchase orders totalling Afs 650,000 were issued for galvanized pipe, a pump and engine set and for a casing filter screen and plug. Construction was stopped from 11/69 to 11/70 due first to administrative difficulties within the RGA and later to a labor shortage. The work on the well was of very high quality -- better than called for in the USAID/ENG design. However, when the pipeline was installed, 11 couplings were found to be missing. Several attempts were made to purchase them locally and in Pakistan, to no avail. Finally, these were made by a USAID equipment specialist and a USAID machinist. When first tested, the pump failed to operate properly. With the provision of additional concrete and labor by the local governor, the pump was reset, a new stronger foundation constructed, and pipeline faults remedied. The system was tested and on 11/24/71 the Governor dedicated the project. This is one of apparently many well digging activities in the various provinces of Afghanistan.