Royal Engineers oversee Afghan reconstruction work

24 Commando Engineer Regiment, who since April 2008 have been supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, deployed to Helmand with the brigade in October.

Since then, the regiment has already helped the Afghan National Police in Helmand by building two checkpoints near Lashkar Gah and now the Construction Supervision Cell of 24 Commando Engineer Regiment has supervised the redevelopment of three civilian projects which will improve the lives of local women and children.

The majority of the work on the projects was carried out by local Afghans with the British Engineers providing valuable advice and project management.

The refurbishment work at the orphanage, which has the capacity to care for 50 children, included installing a kitchen, toilets, showers with hot running water, a well, air-conditioning, and electricity throughout the building. A concrete playground was also constructed outside the orphanage and the children are already enjoying playing football and other games on it.

The nursery facility was completely refurbished. The interior was redecorated, doors and windows were all replaced, air-conditioning was fitted in the classrooms and play equipment was fitted outside. The nursery cares for up to 100 children every day whilst their parents are at work.

And the women's centre, which offers education and training, was reconditioned. Security for the centre was improved, hygiene facilities were built in and a new well was sunk. The centre is used regularly by groups of women to learn new skills as diverse as sewing and IT, and offers them the opportunity to meet to discuss issues that concern them and their families.

The Deputy Governor of Helmand province, Abdul Sattar, said:

"These projects bring the people of Helmand security and increase their quality of life. It is also good that they create work which is a key part of our anti-poppy cultivation project."

Based with the Royal Marines in Chivenor, North Devon, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is required to conduct operations across the spectrum of conflict in support of 3 Commando Brigade, meaning that each member must be trained in amphibious assaults, as well as know how to operate in the jungle, across deserts, over mountainous terrain and in arctic conditions.

Although they currently support the Marines, the unit are from the Army's Corps of Royal Engineers who, while being combat engineers and tradesmen, are soldiers first.