Provincial governor visits Spera District Center

Written by U.S. Army Pfc. Chris McKenna 3rd Brigade Combat Team

Khost Province, Afghanistan – Khost provincial Governor Abdul Jabar Naeemi visited the Spera District Center, Khost province, Afghanistan, July 25th to discuss improvements in the the Spera area.

This was the first time he’d visited Spera since taking office three months ago, and the district center was filled with village elders from around Spera.

“The main thing was him reminding the people that he is here for them,” said Mohammad Azim, Spera District sub-governor. “He even brought money for people whose family members have been killed by the [insurgents].”

The primary issues the governor addressed were the need for better healthcare with a possibility of a new medical facility, better education, with speculation on the addition of a secondary school; and any type of erosion control for the wadies in the area.

“We’ve already got a primary school in the area, but now hopefully we can start working toward building a high school,” Azim said.

While Naeemi has only been in office a short time, many of his constituents are already showing signs of impatience.

“We’ve been promised these things before,” Azim said. “Hopefully the new governor will hold to his words.”

Even with the past issues, Azim said he believes things are set to improve in the future, especially since the new governor is willing to visit.

The previous two Khost provincial governors never visited the Spera District, so Naeemi’s visit was well received.

“The people were very excited to see him and before he came we were looking forward to addressing him with our issues,” said Azim.