Norwegians Carry Out Vital Repairs to Afghan Well

By the International Security Assistance Force

KABUL, Afghanistan - Clean water is one of the main foundations of every civilization. People need water for drinking, cooking and cleaning; something that many western countries take for granted.

International Security Assistance Force soldiers along with the Norwegian Support Element and the Norwegian Operational Mentor and Liaison Team repaired a broken well in Mazar-e-Sharif, Feb. 4.

“We came here to do repairs on the valves and weld the pipes,” said 1st Lt. Kenny Hansen, Transport officer. “The way it is now, I hope everybody can go to the well, fill their buckets and go to their house to boil and drink their water,” he added.

The well broke approximately three weeks ago, forcing 800 local Afghan families from two of the well’s surrounding villages to drink out of a small local river, which is unsanitary.

An 18-year-old Afghan man, who spoke English, said that he and all of the villagers are thankful for ISAF and appreciate the Norwegians for repairing their well.

“The well is very important to us because the water that we use is not mineral water and it is very bad for us and the children,” he said. “We are very glad to have ISAF here and they are truly trying to help my people, and this water supply is very important to us, we appreciate it.”

Lt. Hansen said he feels good about keeping the villagers from getting sick and is glad the Afghans in the village will have clean and potable water for everyday use.