Quick impact projects slow progress in Afghanistan

[unhappycamper]

Quick impact projects slow progress in Afghanistan
By Mark Ward
October 15, 2009

SEVERAL OF the countries contributing troops to the war in Afghanistan provide more than weapons and military equipment for the fight. They also provide funds for “quick impact’’ projects, called QIPs, on the theory that building a school or a clinic will win the hearts and minds of the local community and “buy’’ their soldiers added security.

But QIPs (and the US funds, called CERP for Commanders Emergency Response Program) are beginning to impede Afghanistan’s development at the local level.

In many Afghan provinces, government institutions can now deliver local projects. The Afghan people are beginning to connect with and see the value of their government. But with the international military still building schools and clinics, it is delaying the day when Afghans can govern for themselves.

By continuing to carry out QIPs across the country, the militaries are keeping Afghan institutions from learning how to make plans, manage funds and projects, and be accountable to their people. Just like the military recognizes the importance of “Afghanizing’’ the fight against the Taliban by turning more responsibility over to the Afghan National Security Forces, it must also start “Afghanizing’’ the way it spends QIP funds.

QIP funds are still needed, though, because most civilian donor agencies are too slow and inflexible to deserve a monopoly on funds for development projects. Competition from other actors, whether military or nongovernmental organization, might force long overdue changes at the civilian agencies.


Rest of article at: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/10/15/quick_impact_projects_slow_progress_in_afghanistan/



unhappycamper comment: Your tax dollars at work.

[elleng]

1. Surprising

and somewhat disappointing (maybe?)