Royal Engineers help reconstruction in Helmand
29 Jun 09
A specialist team of Royal Engineers are helping deliver reconstruction projects worth over six million dollars in Afghanistan including the construction and refurbishment of nine health clinics, twelve schools, six mosques and twelve roads.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Boardman stands in front of the latrines at Dosti Safean School, Lashkar Gah
[Picture: Corporal Rupert Frere, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The specialist team, known as STRE, works closely with the British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) based at Lashkar Gah, a multi-national, civilian and military partnership leading the stabilisation process in Helmand.
Amongst the soldiers working in the STRE is Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Boardman. He said:
"The PRT identify the projects and we deliver them. Over the last year, the STRE has implemented over six million dollars worth of construction projects, ranging from the construction of school latrines and police post perimeter security enhancements, to the building of a brand new prison, an orphanage and numerous mosques, schools and health clinics.
Workers construct the Governor's shura (meeting) hall next to Lashkar Gah main mosque
[Picture: Corporal Rupert Frere, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"Working out here is a special challenge, but the job satisfaction is immense. Seeing local children go to school for the first time ever, at a school that we've built, or patients being treated at a hospital we've completely refurbished, is incredibly rewarding."
WO2 Boardman, who is on his second operational tour to Afghanistan, continued:
"We use local Afghan contractors to actually do the building work. It's a good way of injecting money into the local economy and generating employment. My team and I provide infrastructure advice and guidance, and oversee the contract to completion."
The Royal Engineer Warrant Officer, who has served for 20 years since joining the Army at the age of 16, talked about the difficulties of working in Helmand province:
The main entrance to Lashkar Gah police station. WO2 Mark Boardman and his Specialist Team of Royal Engineers will oversee its reinforcement
[Picture: Corporal Rupert Frere, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"It can take two to three days to reach some project sites. First, we'll have to fly in by helicopter to a forward operating base, then move by armoured convoy to a smaller patrol base, and make the final approach with an infantry foot patrol. Security is an issue, but it is getting better in the key urban areas.
"It's vitally important work that we're doing. The reconstruction effort in Helmand province goes hand-in-hand with enhancing security and building good governance. It's great to see the tangible benefits we're delivering are making a big difference to the day-to-day lives of local people. We're helping to build a better future here."