SIKA-EAST Weekly Program Update: April 05 -10, 2014

The program is implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is managed by AECOM. The SIKA-East program focuses on providing support to local communities through various initiatives, including vocational training, infrastructure development, and community engagement. One of the key areas of focus is the rehabilitation of karez systems, which are traditional irrigation systems used in the region. The program has made significant progress in this area, with several karez systems being rehabilitated and extended in various districts. The program also places a strong emphasis on community engagement and participation. SIKA-East has established a gender team that works closely with local communities to develop strategies and ideas for increasing female outreach and participation in the program. The team has also conducted surveys and interviews to gather women's perspectives on vocational training and other program activities. In terms of infrastructure development, SIKA-East has awarded grants for several protection wall projects in various districts. The program has also made milestone payments for completed projects, with over $240,000 being disbursed for 62 grant projects in eight districts. To date, 430 grant applications have been received, and 294 applications have been approved by USAID. The program has made significant progress in Ghazni Province, with 58 grant project applications being received and 42 projects being approved by USAID. In Khost Province, two grants were awarded for protection wall projects, and 12 milestone payments were made for completed projects. In Logar Province, four milestone payments were made, and one engineering design was completed for Baraki Barak District. SIKA-East has also received 102 grant applications for Maydan Wardak Province, with 82 projects receiving USAID approval and 48 projects being awarded. In Paktya Province, two grants were awarded, and four milestone payments were made for small infrastructure projects. The program has also been involved in the presidential election, with SIKA-East PMT managers reporting that voters generally ignored Taliban threats and even a few instances of violence against those who chose to go to the polls.