SIKA-West Weekly Bullet Points No. 144: Jan 13-19, 2015

The program is implemented in the western provinces of Farah, Badghis, Ghor, and Herat. The SIKA-West program focuses on community development, infrastructure improvement, and capacity building for local government officials. Key highlights of the program include the development of guidelines for obtaining business permits in Shindand Municipality, the resolution of a family marriage dispute in Qarchaqai village through mediation, and the completion of project management trainings for 188 members of 37 CDC Grantees. The trainings covered community mobilization and development, procurement processes, and project management. The SIKA-West program has made significant progress in implementing projects valued at USD$3,774,507, which will improve the lives of approximately 624,447 people. The program has also completed 241 projects valued at USD$4,513,396, which improved the lives of approximately 454,953 people. Currently, 168 projects valued at USD$2,599,108 are under development. Capacity building is a key component of the SIKA-West program. The Governance Department conducted a 'Procurement & Financial Management' workshop for 40 governmental staff in Farah Province, while report writing training was provided to four Government Personnel in Lash Wa Juwayn and Pusht-e Rod Districts. Monitoring and evaluation training was also provided to nine Chaghcharan, Qala-i-Naw, Kushk-e Rabat Sangi, and Lash Wa Juwayn District Social Workers and Government Personnel. The program has also made progress in infrastructure development, including the construction of a 50-meter Flood Protection Wall in Panj Deh village, Lash Wa Juwayn District, and the completion of a 200-meter surrounding wall for Kosha Primary School in Lash Wa Juwayn District. The Bagh Kafi CDC is rehabilitating a 1.5-KM road in Bagh Kafi Village, Farah Center, which is expected to improve access for 520 families to the Provincial Center. Despite challenges, including a conflict between Taraki Khoshnow CDC members, the SIKA-West program remains committed to improving the lives of local communities in western Afghanistan. The program's focus on community development, infrastructure improvement, and capacity building has made significant progress in addressing the needs of local communities.