Australia has deployed aid and foreign affairs experts as well as military and police forces on the ground in Oruzgan as part of its integrated development strategy for the Afghan province, the Australian Associated Press reports.
“We’ve all got different interests and angles to pursue but we are able to do it in a very concerted way and a co-operative and collaborative way,” said Peter Macfarlane, senior representative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the province.
Australia-funded projects in the province include a new waste management facility in the capital of Tarin Kowt, a boys’ primary school and high school, a girls’ school, and several water crossings.
Australia has also actively sponsored training of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
“By improving the security situation, we are creating better conditions for governance, reconstruction and development efforts into areas such as the Mirabad Valley Region,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Hocking, commanding officer of Australia’s recently returned Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force.
