HDF PRT To Support The Construction Of Protective Walls

During the third tour of duty of the HDF PRT, it was the Hungarian Ministry of Health that financed the construction of a hospital providing basic medical care in the village of Lalmei. Since then the clinic has been operating without interruption, providing medical care for the sick in the region, but unfortunately, a few problems have arisen because of the site. The building is at the foot of a rock face, from which stones of various size keep falling on the hospital, breaking the windows and damaging walls. In order to preserve the current condition of the building, a protective wall has to be constructed between the clinic and the rock face, which will be funded by the Hungarian reconstruction team. Now the foundation stone, symbolising the start of the construction works, has been laid in the presence of Lt.Col. János Vokla, Deputy Commander, HDF PRT, and on behalf of the Afghan party, the Governor of Khinjan, and the local religious leader, the mullah of the province, among others. All those who were present were really pleased with the project launch, which will provide protection against the source of danger threatening the hospital.

From the clinic the Hungarian convoy went to the seat of Khinjan province, to the girls’ school of the town. The HDF PRT provides continuous support to this school: it has already funded the restoration works, donated desks, blackboards, other pieces of furniture, and stationery, moreover, the troops organize roadshows from time to time to entertain the children. The request for the construction of a wall surrounding the school arrived in the fall of 2009, and the Hungarian contingent has decided to support this project. The buildings in Afghanistan – houses and public buildings as well – are surrounded by high stone walls and have enclosed yards. This makes the family, or in case of a school, the children learning there feel safe. This is why it is important for the locals to have such walls in place. The wall has been completed with success, and Lt.Col. Vokla, the governor of the province, the representative of the Afghan Ministry of Education, and the headmaster of the school symbolically cut the ribbon and declared it complete. After the ceremony the Hungarians were given a taste of famous Afghan hospitality, then the program ended with handing over presents, and the invitees had lunch together.