01 0600z TF 3 Fury reports Gerda Serai Development shura at the Dsitrict Center

LOCATION: Gerda Serai DC ATTENDEES: Gerda Serai Sub-Governor (Izzat Khan); Paktya Director of MRRD (Eng Shafak); Paktya Director of Economy; ANCOP Chief of Police; 3F6 (LTC Woods), PRT CA CDR (Maj. Matos); 3F S9 (CPT Cho), USAID Rep. (Mr. Carbone), UNAMA development Rep. (Nick Horne); UNAMA Governance Rep. (Suki). MAIN TALKING POINTS: Dir of MRRD: He stated that the elders are a key part of the development efforts. All the people that came to the meeting are here to help you, listen to your suggestions, and work with you. Dir of Economy mentioned to the elders that he is working on six projects with GTZ in the Gardez area because of how good the security is. Nick Horne: stated that the reason of our visit was to discuss three lists of projects Provincial Development Plan (PDP), District Development Plan (DDP), and Provincial Disaster Development Plan (PDDP). The lists were in need of refinement and prioritization so that donors could better implement the projects. He stated that UNAMA and the government agencies were all there to help the elders of Gerda Serai re-prioritize the list. Gardez PRT, Major Matos: reiterated the importance of refining the projects lists and electing the projects that would create the most impact among there villages. USAID, Mr Carbone: He stated that he had an ulterior motive for coming to the shura today. He stated that USAIDs main goal was to increase private business in Gerda Serai. Especially private businesses that catered to the massive increase in commerce / vehicle traffic that would eventually flood through the KG pass in the near future, thanks to the future paved road. Mr. Carbone emphasized the need for vehicle mechanics, garages for repairs, truck stops, etc. He also emphasized the possibility of encouraging the nascent pine nut industry in Gerda Serai through business loans and infrastructure investments. 4/73rd Commander, LTC Woods: He stated that the paved road would increase traffic and open new opportunities for income generation. They can create new businesses that will employ their local people. Examples of products or services to exploit are: Wheat mill, lumber mill, slaughter house, gravel facility, mechanical services, etc. He also emphasized the fact that the people of Afghanistan can not depend on international donors forever. The people of Gerda Serai must take advantage of the international communitys current largess and start focusing on sustainable projects. Projects that will increase Gerda Serais ability to generate its own income and sustainable development. After the initial round of introductions the local elders broke up in to smaller groups in order to refine their project lists. They came with the following prioritized list: 4 Micro Hydros (Tori Khel, Sharana, Plangai, and Sori Khel); 25 KM of gravel road distributed amongst the 4 tribes; fresh drinking water via pipe / bore well; and a Madrassa. The elders agreed to support all development efforts in the area. MRRD Director mentioned that Shwak has 4 Micro Hydro generators that are still in good working condition. The Micro Hydro generators were built by CARE International under the National Solidarity Program in 2005 and each cost between $15 or $20,000. The Sub-Governor also turned in a list of recommended vocational training topics that he had gathered previously with the elders. The vocational training topics are catered to the needs of a future paved road: Engine mechanics; wheel mechanics, upholstery manufacturer for cab interiors, etc). Additionally, we were able to corroborate that the Gerda Serai Basic Health Clinic is operating with a staff of seven people (One doctor, one midwife, and five other supporting staff).