Post Op Medusa development continues

KABUL, Afghanistan - 02 October 2006

The development phase of Operation Medusa is well underway. Between $5 and $7 million has been committed by the aid agencies of the US, Canadian and German Governments.

The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) at Kandahar is preparing initiatives to refurbish three schools in former Taliban strongholds, plus irrigation works and bridge construction projects.

A cash for work program to clear debris, providing work for 2,500 5,000 people from the area is underway. Furthermore, as a consequence of the improved security in the district, the construction of a link road from highway 1 to Pashmul and Bizar-E-Panjwayi will recommence.

ISAF and Various relief organizations have distributed food packages to over 8,500 families.

In Kandahar city, the World Food Programme distributed 3,682 family food-packages designed to provide 2,000 calories a day for 6 people for one month. UNICEF have distributed a further 1,500 family packs and PRT Kandahar have issued 1,058 family food packages in Zharey district.