Musa Qala lies in northern Helmand province of Afghanistan and was once under Taleban. Eight months ago it was recaptured by the International Assistance Security Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops. Both Afghan government and British wanted to rebuild the town which was destroyed and neglected over the years. The blueprint for Musa Qala’s makeover was ready in no time. British announced series of projects to rebuild the town. Afghan government offered all cooperation. But the ground work simply stands almost unexecuted after eight months.

British Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) - the joint civilian and military organization which is in charge of the rebuilding projects has been facing series of roadblocks. Most of British funds have been cleverly siphoned off by Afghan counterparts and contractors even before the reconstruction began. These contractors gave parts of projects to subcontractors. The sub contractors who undertook actual construction work used poor quality materials so the roads and buildings have crumbled much before completion. These include main bazaar road in Musa Qala, a health clinic and a mosque.

Most of utopian dreams of rebuilding Musa Qala have crumbled but yet the spirit of British troops is upbeat. They feel the attempt and planning itself is a big step forward in a place like Afghanistan. Musa Qala is strategically a good place to begin a positive peace process along with Afghan government and to keep Taleban away. The troops can slowly move inwards once confidence is established. Efforts are being made at all levels to bring in the change. Local commerce has improved, military stabilization team has established local governance and an Afghan civil secretariat. Local militiants are being inducted in to local police force.

In destroyed lands, first of all it is important to rebuild the spirit of people. Local community must realize that their life is being rebuilt for their own sake. Building utopia without solid foundation is bound to crumble.

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source: timesonline277264