Sappers' bridge opens in Garmsir

Crossing the canal, which feeds water into the irrigation system around Garmsir, the bridge replaces an older bridge built by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2007. This bridge was never intended to be permanent as it was for military, not civilian, use and, not being suitable for civilian traffic, required regular maintenance.

The new bridge is a huge 37-metre-long construction, weighing in at nearly 70 tonnes, and is more than capable of carrying loads in excess of 60 tonnes. It will better suit civilian vehicles, will last for years, and require a minimum of maintenance.

Located at the eastern end of Darvishan, it provides access for the large civilian population of the area (around 35,000) to the thriving bazaar, district hospital and school, and will improve their freedom of movement throughout the area.

Building the bridge was a huge logistical undertaking; around 30 soldiers from 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron, based in Hohne in Germany, were responsible for both the design and build of the bridge.

The bridge components were shipped from the United Kingdom six months ago before a dedicated Combat Logistics Patrol comprising of nearly 30 vehicles moved them the 120km to the nearest ISAF base - Forward Operating Base Delhi.

It took three days to build the bridge and another two weeks to undertake the groundwork and for the concrete to set allowing it to finally be used. Ever competitive, teams of Sappers raced against each other to get the build complete.

Sapper Edward Hughes said:

"The bridge itself was not too hard - but wearing body armour and helmet made it all the more difficult in the heat. The tempo of work was quick, with the two sides of the bridging party racing against each other.

"By far the hardest part of the build was when we came to jack the bridge down to its final position which took hours and had Sappers doing last minute digging in the pitch black underneath the bridge.

"Overall, the job was really satisfying - it was a major improvement to the district and the locals showed lots of appreciation towards us, which after all the hard work was great. I was glad to play my part in this bridge - it's something that will be here, serving a purpose, for a long time to come."

Lance Corporal Iain Angus, from Hartlepool, said:

"For me as a plant operator, manning the diggers, the heat was unbelievable - up to 40C in the cab, working from morning until night in body armour and helmet.

"The build as a whole was physically and mentally demanding in such a dangerous environment and tough conditions - having to remain focused on the job at hand whilst still maintaining an awareness of what is happening around you, constantly being alert, is tiring.

"The completion of the bridge was amazing - the reaction from the locals felt good and it was definitely worth all that hard work."

Major Chas Story, 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron and Officer Commanding of the build team, said:

"At the end of a six-month tour, where we have been mainly focused on supporting operations against the Taliban and developing our own force protection, it is fantastic to be able to finish by delivering something this significant to the local community.

"In a place where infrastructure is so fragile, the locals were delighted to have a permanent bridge that is essential to the local agricultural economy. We came here to leave the place better than we found it and that can certainly be said for Garmsir District Centre. We all finish on a high."

Lieutenant General Peter Wall, himself a senior Sapper, who opened the bridge with Abdullah Jan, the District Governor, and other local officials, said:

"This bridge will change the lives of the people of Garmsir. It is a classic example of the progress that can be made when security is improving.

"The bridge itself is a significant technical and logistic feat – as ever, all of our soldiers and airmen can be justly proud of their contribution to this achievement.

"During my visit I was struck by the close co-operation between the District Governor and the Elders, the ANSF including the Border Police, our own forces and the stabilisation effort. This accounts for the significant progress we are making together in Garmsir and is an example of the more general progress across the south."