As the Afghan Uniform Police take the lead in crime prevention in Helmand province it is increasingly important that the infrastructure upon which they rely is sustainable post-transition.
The new Check Point, CP Samander, has been specially designed and built from local materials, using local methods of construction enabling easy repair.
The handover was attended by local elders, police officers and a collection of individuals from ISAF. The construction of the CP was managed by the Afghan Uniform Police with assistance provided by the partnering force from The King’s Royal Hussars.
The KRH are the lead unit within the Lashkar Gah district which has fully transitioned to the Afghan Forces who are taking lead responsibility for security. The KRH are working as an infantry unit within the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province and are responsible for partnering the Afghan Forces.
Major Alex Michael Officer Commanding C Squadron, The King’s Royal Hussars said: "It has been a tremendous success to see the Afghans develop their own infrastructure and provide a checkpoint made of materials easily and locally sourced."
Lt Col Nigel Allison who works within Task Force Helmand as head of stabilisation said: "This type of CP build is the way forward. For the Afghans to be able to source the materials to build and repair the CPs is very important as they can maintain it into the future."
This concept is not only environmentally and culturally appropriate but also, uses local workers providing a stimulus to the local economy. CP Samander will act as the prototype for further Check Points as they are developed in other locations.