Deep in southern Afghanistan, in the district capital of Musa Qala, is a UK Government-led project  helping to re-build thousands of lives.

Last year, the district centre, in the north of Helmand Province, was a centre of Taleban activity and in the middle of a major regional drug trafficking route.   Proceeds from the drug trade helped sustain the Taleban, so it was crucial to dislodge the group and cut off their source of revenue.

Plans for reconstruction

Inside the UK’s FCO-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) plans were under way to help Government of Afghanistan force out the Taliban.

Based in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, the PRT officers from the FCO, Department for International Development (DFID) and Stabilisation Unit (SU) helped the Afghan Army and Afghan Government plan Operation Mar Karadad – a  plan to re-establish Afghan Government control of Musa Qala.

The military effort was led by the Afghan National Army with support from NATO’s troops in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Leaflet drops

The FCO, DfID and SU staff from the PRT contributed to the civilian parts of the plan, making sure the Musa Qala residents were unharmed. Leaflet drops and radio broadcasts  warning about military action, prevented many casualties.

After the operation's military phase in December 2007, our staff were on the ground within days. Despite the fragile security situation, the team quickly helped convene a meeting of local leaders to take decisions on how to start to repair the damage caused by Taleban rule and decades of under-investment.

Members of the PRT swiftly stepped in to help the interim district governor organise a gathering of influential elders (shura), to confirm the selection of Mullah Salam as the new district governor.

Building a better future

And in the first few week after the fighting, after discussion with the new authorities, PRT-funded projects took off.  Clearing drains and rubble, refurbishing Musa Qala’s central school and a “cash for work” scheme which employed around 300 local people were just a few of the rebuilding activities that got underway.

Much was achieved in a short space of time. The school has been refurbished, the health clinic rehabilitated and local government buildings have been equipped to help respond to the people’s needs.

One important development has been the provision of a space for community shuras. These allow ordinary Afghans a forum to voice their concerns, and play a key role in resolving local disputes and helping increase stability in the area.

Basic services

Even though security in Musa Qala has improved, residents still lack many basic services. Quicker reconstruction and development efforts are still a challenge, but PRT staff are working closely with local authorities, the Afghan Army and ISAF forces to bring further improvements to Musa Qala, which includes road-building and the redevelopment of the central mosque.

But although physical reconstruction is vitally important, our staff and the military, spend much of their time talking to the Afghan authorities, local elders and civil society to see how best Britain can support the Afghans to ensure that their new institutions will endure in the longer term.

Read more about our work in the prevention and resolution of conflict.