Bridges in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan: Six of Eight Bridges Constructed or Rehabilated by DOD Remain in Generally Good, Usable Condition; Two Appeared to Have Structural Issues Needing Attention
Abstract
DOD established the commander's emergency response program (CERP) in fiscal year 2004, to enable military commanders to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, CERP funds were used to implement projects in all 34 provinces to support projects in diverse sectors, including transportation, education, agriculture/irrigation, healthcare, and water and sanitation. CERP was intended for small projects generally estimated to cost less than $500,000. CERP projects that cost more than $500,000 were also authorized when approved at the appropriate level within DOD. Projects that supported Afghanistan's transportation sector were among the more common and costliest CERP project categories. One component of CERP-funded transportation projects included the construction, repair, and replacement of pedestrian and vehicle bridge infrastructure throughout Afghanistan. Bridges are important because they help link communities and provide access to markets - both of which aid in economic development and promote stability. However, Afghanistan's mountainous terrain, seasonal snow melt, and tectonic activity, coupled with its tenuous security environment and extreme budgetary constraints, pose challenges for the maintenance and longevity of CERP-funded bridges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1139369
Entities
People
- John Sopko
Organizations
- Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction