SIKA-West Weekly Bullet Points No. 126: September 2-8, 2014

Following this training, the CDCs will receive their first milestone payments to start their projects. The training aimed to enhance the capacity of CDCs in managing projects effectively. The Communications & Public Outreach Department successfully supported the Ganj Abad CDC (Bala Boluk) to find local government and non-government resources to assist in refurbishing the Community Center. Using only the Service Provider Catalog and local government lobbying, the community obtained sufficient financial support to fund the project, with work starting on September 2nd. This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in accessing resources and support. The Governance Department has supported the Pusht-e Rod District Government led effort to streamline the process of receiving requests for and processing national ID Cards for district residents. New guidelines have been developed that are shared with the district residents to avoid delays. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of government services and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. In support of the Shahrak District Government Education Department, the Governance Department is working with government personnel to ensure that student records for Classes 1-12 are present, properly prepared, and maintained in district secondary schools. These records are critical to enable students to move onto university and are a requirement of the Department of Education. This initiative aims to improve the quality of education and ensure that students have access to higher education opportunities. The Community Development Department has received USAID approval to provide material support to the Pashtun Zarghun District Government (Solar Lighting) and Herat DRRD (Replace Perimeter Wall). This support will enable the districts to implement critical infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of residents. The approval of these projects demonstrates the commitment of USAID to supporting community development initiatives in Afghanistan. To date, 308 projects valued at $7,162,737 have been approved by MRRD and IDLG in 16 target districts. Currently, CDCs are implementing 66 grant-funded projects valued at $2,926,833. A total of 213 CDC-managed projects valued at $3,202,745 have been completed and handed over. Twenty-two projects valued at $1,219,848 are pending with the USAID Vetting Unit for action. SIKA-West has requested USAID's support to expedite these pending requests. Monitoring & Evaluation training was provided to Shahrak District Government personnel to assist in future grant-funded infrastructure site inspections. MRRD DSWs and SIKA-West M&E personnel conducted 47 joint project site visits, prior to the approval of the next round of milestone payments for CDCs. DSWs identified deficiencies that were in need of correction, such as Mohammad Zai Herati CDC, which was required to improve the compaction of their road project before the next milestone payment would be authorized. On September 8th, the Lash Wa Juwayn District Governor, Mr. Samad Yar, met and listened to farmers' concerns about what they would need to avoid poppy cultivation. The farmers requested more support from the District Government to improve their irrigation systems and provide government-led training on improved potato, onion, and watermelon cultivation. These concerns will be discussed at the upcoming KSW. The Pashtun Zarghun District Governor, Mr. Farhad Raufian, organized a meeting with more than 80 elders, Afghan National Police, and Afghan Public Protection Forces. The DG delivered speeches about the good work of security forces in the district and presented appreciation letters to six commanders. On September 3rd, the Pashtun Zarghun District Governor led the Komite Sobate Woleswali meeting with the participation of 72 district residents. Twenty-eight new projects, including flood protection walls, bridges, water siphon, and roads rehabilitation, and provision of schools' equipment, were proposed to address community problems. The Governance Department continues to work with HELP Germany and TOLO Dorukhshan (Private Employment Agency) to find work for recent vocational training graduates. These graduates have now been registered with both groups, and HELP Germany has pledged to coordinate with private companies in Herat City.