Construction training at the Ministry of Education, Afghanistan
	Health clinic monitored by IRD, Afghanistan

Since 2004, IRD has implemented the Human Resources and Logistical Support Program (HRLS) in Afghanistan. This program, funded by USAID, has offered IRD the opportunity to enhance our management capabilities while addressing the developmental challenges facing this war-torn country.

Under the HRLS program, IRD provides technical support to the USAID Office of Infrastructure, Energy and Engineering to monitor major construction and rehabilitation projects completed by contractors. These projects are reopening vital transportation routes, rebuilding schools and clinics, improving irrigation channels and providing sustainable energy and water sources. IRD assists with individual project identification, planning, site selection, engineering, management information system design and operation, procurement of services and goods, and construction and quality assurance inspection.

IRD also is providing technical support in other sectors across Afghanistan, including providing advice and support for policy and legal reform, institutional capacity building, and human resource development and training to both USAID and the Afghan government staff.

By the completion of the project, IRD will have monitored the construction of 311 clinics, two 100-bed hospitals, one 50-bed hospital, two new midwife centers, 465 schools, and 12 new teacher training centers. In the transportation sector, IRD will have monitored the construction of approximately 6,000 kilometers of regional, national, provincial and secondary highways by the end of 2007.

IRD also provides capacity building for the Ministry of Public Works and assists in the creation of a private sector for the operations and maintenance of these roads, as well as helps the Afghan government draft and adopt policy measures that will ensure sustained maintenance. In the energy sector in 2006, IRD monitored the rehabilitation and construction of 24 power stations, including hydropower and natural gas plants, as well as 25 irrigation and water projects. IRD is also nurturing a growing Afghan press to report on all infrastructure projects.

Successful implementation of these objectives should provide the following:

• A robust economy with a growth rate between nine and 11 percent per year, resulting in an increase in yearly income from $200 to $300-$340;
• A tenfold increase in power supply;
• At least 75 percent of Afghans having access to basic health care and primary education;
• An independent electoral commission, parliament and judiciary; and
• A rural economy based on viable options to poppy cultivation.

Current Project

• Afghanistan – Human Resources and Logistical Support (HRLS)