Making a difference

Volume 11, No. 56, November 16, 2006
By Maj Andrew Bird and
Capt Lachlan Simond

Another brick in the wall: Capt Lee Bowden and Sgt Nigel Hayden discuss construction tasks with Commander 1RTF Lt-Col Mick Ryan.

Building blocks: Capt Bowden and Sgt Nigel Hayden discuss the construction for the Trade Training Building in southern Afghanistan (right). Photos by PO Damian Pawlenko.

IT’S a mission like no other, conducting reconstruction projects in a complex, high-threat, dynamic and logistically challenged environment.

This is the current situation facing the engineers with 1 Reconstruction Task Force (1RTF), whose mission is to help rebuild basic infrastructure in the troubled region.

RAE officers are the key to the planning, implementation and supervision of a number of projects that will be undertaken in the two years that Australia has committed to the RTF.

Capt Nick Bosio said Australian Army engineers had many special qualities that made them highly suitable for the mission.

“Throughout the last century, Australia has shown that Aussies believe in a fair go for all. Part of this has been helping out in our local region. Over the past decade Australian soldiers have conducted operations in Timor-Leste, the Solomon Islands and Banda Aceh,” Capt Bosio said.

“A combination of the Australian character and our Army’s experience leads us to be well prepared to help the Afghan people,.”

Capt Michael Scott said the RTF would be involved in a “wide spectrum of tasks”.

“It varies from the refurbishment of hospitals and government buildings, the construction of check points to helping repair the power grid,” he said.

“Using contractors we will coordinate the rebuilding of bridges and help recreate transport infrastructure.

“The ability to travel will help stimulate the local economy. Another major initiative is the Trade Training School, which should also help stimulate the economy by increasing the skilled workforce and create a higher standard of construction work.”

Capt Lee Bowden said the sappers were “working on the whole gamut of engineering. We’re doing roads, bridges, double-storey buildings, water, sanitation, drainage, irrigation and power generation.”

The work is high tempo and aims to achieve tangible results.

“In the last four days I have looked at the rebuilding of two buildings damaged by the Taliban, a large and small causeway and a micro hydro-electric system. That is four days out of my six months,” Capt Bowden said.

Capt Clare O’Neill is not just keen to help with the physical reconstruction, but hopes her presence can make a cultural difference.

“It is good to get involved in the hospital and school projects as they help out the community.

“If by being a female engineer I can break down barriers for the Afghan women and further the projects that help them after the years of Taliban oppression, it is a good result,” Capt O’Neill said.

“I am heavily involved in the planned renovation of the older buildings and construction of the new outpatients departments for the provincial hospital.

“The hospital also requires reconstruction of the women’s wing. It is of great cultural, as well as humanitarian, importance that women in such a devout Muslim country have a private facility where they can be properly treated.

“The project involves both reconnaissance of the hospital, liaison with the staff and then the design and project management of the works program.”