Renewable Energy To Illuminate Kabul’s Street Lamps

Posted by Abigail E. Sugrue / November 12, 2010

Afghans stand outside a home in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 14, 2010. [AP File Photo]

About the Author: Abigail Sugrue is an officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Mayor Muhammad Yunus Nawandish of Kabul needed a creative solution. He wanted to build street lamps to light the darkened city, and provide safety and security to residents and visitors. However, with limited power generation and distribution systems, an innovative approach was needed.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked closely with the Mayor's office and Sustainable Energy Services Afghanistan (SESA) on a pilot program to use renewable energy to provide street lights to the 6 million people living within the city limits. With over 300 days of sun, Kabul City is an ideal place to explore the usage of the sun to power its streets. These solar street lights will not only provide more security and raise community morale, they will also… more »

Posted under: Afghanistan

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Women’s Garden Reopens in Kabul

Posted by Abigail E. Sugrue / November 04, 2010

Afghan woman reads book while sitting in a garden, Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 3, 2010. [Embassy Photo]

About the Author: Abigail Sugrue is an officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

U.S. Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry joined senior Afghan officials, including the Minister of Women's Affairs, the Mayor of Kabul, the Governor of Kabul province, and members of parliament, to celebrate the reopening of the Women's Garden in Kabul on November 3, 2010.

The garden, once a sanctuary, was destroyed during the Afghan civil war. During the paralyzing restrictions of the Taliban era, women and girls were unable to enter the park, and it became a garbage dump.

Now that the historic Women's Garden has reopened its doors, the eight-acre enclosure provides the women of Kabul a safe space to participate in a range of… more »

Posted under: Afghanistan

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