010500Z PRT NANGARHAR MEETINGS WITH AFGHAN NAT''L DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (ANDMA) & DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PRT Jalalabad APO AE 09354 1 October 2007 MEMORANDUM THRU Civil Affairs OIC, PRT Jalalabad, APO AE 09354 Commander, PRT Jalalabad, APO AE 09354 SUBJECT: Trip Report for ANDMA/Department of Education Meeting(s) 1. SUMMARY. Civil Affairs (CA), DOS and USAID visited Afghan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) (42S XC 34066 10469) and Department of Education (42S XC 34816 10654). Meetings were managed by USAID, DOS and CA played minor roles. USAID had clear goals on agenda and it was a productive and positive series of discussions. CA gathered relative information regarding disaster management and the shortcomings under the current system. In addition, CA uncovered potential land controversy between Dept of Education and current construction at Markoh Bazaar. CA is holding forum on PRT, 2 OCT 07 between Ghani Khel Sub Governor and representative from Dept of Education; to include CA, DOS and necessary participants to discuss said dispute. 2. BACKGROUND a. General. USAID has ongoing discussion(s) with both ANDMA and Dir of Education reference USAID initiatives. In support of USAID aims, CA and DOS accompanied for discussion of projects and fact finding. CA has been indirectly and directly involved with each directorate since arrival in country. b. Mission Specifics. (1) Initially, PRT personnel (USAID, DOS, CA) arrived at ANDMA office to discuss roles/responsibilities and shortcomings of program in anticipation of flood season. The meeting, while successful, shed light on many deficiencies based on recent Asian study data. For PRT and Coalition aims, ANDMA is relatively non-existent and ineffective. All parties agree that ANDMA is simply an office and four staff members that lack training, resources and expertise. This assessment withstanding, capacity can be built with many USAID initiatives. Currently, if a disaster occurs, the ANDMA operation can provide only what PRT/NGOs/IGOs give to them to distribute. ANDMA has no relief assets. This brings to light current problems with PRT SOP. Currently, PRT instructs disaster stricken LNs to seek assistance through ANDMA. ANDMA has no assistance to give; that is unless we give it to them in conjunction with the kindness of others. CA suggests further discussion in preparation for disaster season. There is no plan on behalf of ANDMA to react in case of emergency. CA suggests further collusion between agencies and NGOs to assist in preparation of provincial disaster plan. (2) Following the ANDMA visit, PRT personnel visited the Dir of Education. The discussion centered on USAID education initiatives and book storage containers. Relative to PRT, Director brought up current disapproval with Markoh Bazaar construction, stating that, It is Department of Education property. With that comment, CA suggested a different forum to discuss allegations that could not be substantiated in the forum. CA holding discussions at PRT on 2 OCT 07 at PRT to evaluate claim. 4. Point of Contact for this memorandum is CPT Noce at DSN 481-7341. Paul A. Noce CPT, CA CAT-A Team Leader