KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Government officials of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan held opening ceremonies for a new medical clinic, district center and refurbished school in Khakrez, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, March 26. Coalition forces, who facilitated the development of these projects, were also in attendance.
The Khakrez District Chief Haji Wahab and Dr. Zamai, district health officer, presided over both ceremonies. The district chief and local government officials performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new medical clinic, which will provide services to approximately 23,000 people.
“This new facility will help to accommodate more patients,” Zamai said.
The clinic opened its doors to offer local nationals free medical treatment. Zamai and Coalition medics treated approximately 50 patients on opening day. Coalition forces also resupplied the clinic with medical supplies to support continued operations. Zamai said he will continue to work through Kandahar health officials to get all the equipment needed to have the clinic 100 percent operational.
“The people were very pleased to have these facilities built, especially the clinic. It also provided jobs to several local nationals,” said a Coalition civil affairs officer.
After finishing the ceremony at the clinic, the IROA leadership moved to the new Khakrez District Center to conduct its inauguration. The center will serve as the official district facility to conduct civil matters and provides a direct link to provincial leaders.
“The IROA is improving their response to our requests and the people want to continue to support the GIRoA,” Wahab said.
In addition, the district chief stated that the people were very pleased with the refurbishing of the school located in the Zaylabad Village. Wahab stressed the need for a road network from Khakrez to Kandahar to help the local economy increase both jobs and accessibility to markets.