Ambassador Wood, Governor Mashal Celebrate Park Rehabilitation in Mehtarlam, Laghman Province
Ambassador William Wood and Laghman Governor Lutfullah Mashal inaugurated renovations to the historic Baghe Seraj Park in central Mehtarlam during the Ambassador’s visit to the province on July 27, 2008. “I am from New York City. And New York City also has a famous park in its center,” the Ambassador said during the ceremony. “And so I know how a park can serve to unite a people, and to provide comfort and beauty and peace to the citizens of Mehtarlam,”
The park, which includes a women’s section, volleyball courts and soccer fields, orchards and a provincial government guest house, was rehabilitated with $200,000 from the U.S. Government. Considered the ‘crown jewel’ of Laghman Province, the park had fallen into disrepair.
While in Laghman, Ambassador Wood met with Governor Mashal, members of the provincial council and other provincial leaders, as well as leading provincial women and farmers. “The people of Laghman and the leaders of Laghman are united, and coordinated, and talking to each other, and moving forward. When they all agree, it is a very powerful voice,” the Ambassador said.
U.S. assistance to Laghman has included planting more than 170,000 orchard trees, distributing more than 1,200 metric tons of improved wheat seed, training over 760 women in veterinary practices to improve the health of local livestock, and building and rehabilitating 20 schools and eight health clinics. From 2002 to 2007, the U.S. has given approximately $23.6 million USD in assistance to the province.
Ambassador Wood praised the work of the leaders of Laghman in service to their people and their province, and pledged to continue working with them to improve Laghman. “I believe that Laghman has done it right,” the Ambassador said. “And we will respond.”