(1)Musa Qala bridge opening ceremony
Via DOD:
Marines and Afghan forces prepare for opening ceremonies for the Musa Qala water crossing built by Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Seabees. The crossing connects the two parts of the district and allows residents to reach the government center and markets during the winter months. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Russell Stewart.
The bridge was one of five major infrastructure projects requested by a shura of Musa Qala elders in March of 2010. In July 2010, some Musa Qala residents expressed skepticism about reconstruction projects promised by the Marines:
"They haven't started in these areas in the time they are here," said a merchant who declined to be named. "We don't know about the future, but in the past, we haven't seen anything from them.""No [reconstruction progress]," added another passerby. "They just build a bridge from sand." [A reference to the temporary bridges Marines [had] placed across the wadi]
READER COMMENTS: "Musa Qala bridge opening ceremony"
Posted by blert at January 23, 2012 6:22 PM ET:
That bridge looks like it was formed by pre-cast L elements of concrete.
While it looks very serviceable...
It would appear that the locals were but slightly involved with its construction -- if at all.
Other, similar, crossings have been EID magnets in the past.