SIKA-West Weekly Bullet Points No. 145: Jan 20-26, 2015

The program is implemented in the western provinces of Farah, Ghor, Badghis, and Herat. The initiative focuses on community development, infrastructure development, and capacity building for local government officials. Community development is a key component of the SIKA-West program. In Farah Province, community gatherings were held with female residents to obtain feedback on the impact of SIKA-West programming in various villages. The participants reported that community centers, water dividers, flood protection measures, and aqueduct construction projects had improved their lives. Women in Gerani Payeen village noted that the construction of water dividers had reduced conflict between farmers over irrigation canals, while women in Kanesk Bala village highlighted that the flood protection wall had safeguarded their farmland and increased yields. Infrastructure development is another critical aspect of the SIKA-West program. In Badghis Province, a monthly coordination meeting was held with line-departments to discuss the Jar-e-Kushk irrigation canal, which was prone to floods. The Municipality and the Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development agreed to conduct a survey to seek solutions to this concern. In Herat Province, a Hashar (Public Work) event was organized to remove snow from a 3-KM road in Doab Sufla village, demonstrating the support of residents for the District Government. Capacity building for local government officials is also a key focus of the SIKA-West program. In Pashtun Zarghun District, the Agriculture Department provided training on orchard extension, focusing on tree pruning techniques for 16 farmers. In Ghor Province, project completion ceremonies were held for two completed projects, including the rehabilitation of a 3-KM road and the construction of seven culverts in Ashtor Khan village. The SIKA-West program has achieved significant results in the western provinces of Afghanistan. According to the program's data, CDCs and DDAs have implemented 221 projects valued at USD$5,439,639, which will improve the lives of approximately 1,040,771 people. The completed projects have improved the lives of approximately 467,715 people. The program has also provided training to 148 members of 46 CDC grantees on project management, conflict management, and legal awareness. The SIKA-West program has also made significant progress in capacity building for local government officials. The Governance Department conducted a procurement and financial management workshop for 13 governmental staff in Pashtun Zarghun District, while the Kohsan District Agriculture Department provided tree grafting training to 48 farmers. The program has also provided one-on-one on-the-job training to Ms. Sima Yusufi, the Kohsan Municipality Inventory Officer, on filing system standardization. Overall, the SIKA-West program is making significant contributions to the development of the western provinces of Afghanistan. The program's focus on community development, infrastructure development, and capacity building for local government officials has improved the lives of local communities and enhanced the capacity of local government officials to deliver services to their constituents.