SIKA-WEST WEEKLY BULLET POINTS NO. 129: Sep 23-29, 2014

The program is implemented by AECOM with support from SIKA-W and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The program focuses on several key areas, including grants, cross-cutting capacity building, and monitoring activities. In terms of grants, the program has approved 351 projects valued at $8,450,974 in target districts. These projects are being implemented by Community Development Councils (CDCs) and are valued at $3,831,208. To date, 218 projects valued at $3,339,080 have been completed, and 19 projects valued at $954,835 are pending with the Vetting Unit for action. The program also provides cross-cutting capacity building activities, including engineering project management trainings for 15 CDCs in Pashtun Zarghun, Kushk Rabat-e Sangi, Guzara, and Muqur districts. Additionally, a five-day community-based disaster risk reduction management training was conducted for 38 GIRoA staff from Qala-i-Naw and Qadis districts. The training included a field visit to Tagai Laman village, an area regularly affected by heavy rainfall and floods. Monitoring activities are also an essential component of the program. Monitoring and evaluation training was provided to the Muqur District Executive Manager and the Admin & Finance Manager. This training aims to improve the capacity of government staff to organize and conduct project site inspections. SIKA-West also submitted updates for the MISTI project verification tracker for a total of 81 completed projects. In terms of specific achievements, the program has enabled farmers from Farah Province to attend the Kabul Agricultural Fair for the first time. The delegation established a booth and showcased their local products, including grapes, pomegranates, cucumbers, pistachios, watermelon, and jujube. The fair provided a great opportunity for Farah farmers to showcase their products to national and international traders, with several companies expressing interest in the produce. The program has also made significant progress in promoting peace and stability in the region. In Farah Province, the Lash Wa Juwayn and Pusht-e Rod District Governors celebrated the International Peace Day, with more than 50 tribal elders, Ulema, youth, and government officials attending the event. The Lash Wa Juwayn Tribal Conflict Resolution Committee also addressed a conflict between residents of Kosha village, mediating a resolution to the dispute. In Badghis Province, the Qadis District Agriculture Manager organized an Open-House event, where 30 farmers met with the Agriculture Manager to share their problems and concerns. The Qadis Conflict Resolution Committee for women was also established, with 16 influential women selected as members. The committee received conflict resolution skills training to enable them to identify and address familial conflicts in Qadis District. Overall, the SIKA-West program is making significant progress in promoting stability, economic growth, and peace in the western region of Afghanistan.