Nawa-I-Barakzayi District, Helmand Province in Afghanistan Sees Turnaround

Solar energy project for Nawa district
bazaar.  (DoD Photo by Cpl. Jeff Drew)

According to recent reports by ISAF the Nawa District (sometimes called Nawa-l-Barakzayi District) in Helmand Province has seen a huge turn towards security and governance in the past two years.  This can be credited to individuals and organizations on the Afghan side and coalition who have put a lot of hard work into the improvements.  Relentless effort by the British forces, then the Marines, a hard-working district governor, establishment of the Afghan Local Police, increased education, and development projects such as construction of roads and solar power have all played a part in Nawa's new security and prosperity. 

"Extensive improvements in Nawa district and exceptional Afghan leadership has transformed the once improvised explosive device-laden area into a peaceful paragon of progress during the last year. Residents walk casually along roads and waterways, confident in local Afghan security forces to keep them safe. The growth of illegal drugs has been nearly eradicated as citizens have begun to see the benefits of growing legal crops. Interest in education is on the rise, ensuring a brighter future for the people of Nawa. The people are happy, healthy and hopeful."

Read more in "Nawa: the essence of progress", DVIDS, February 9, 2012.  Read more about Nawa-I-Barakzayi District here at WikipediA which has an enormous amount of information about this district. The UNHCR Sub-Office in Kandahar provides a Nawa-e-Barakzai District Profile on the aims.org website.  A map of Nawa-i-Barakzayi District is also available on the aims.org website.