$2.89m Greshk storage facility never used

KABUL said on Monday.

The Greshk Cold and Dry Storage Facility was funded by the Department of Defence Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), the American watchdog said in a report.

It believed the facility could have been a success story, because Afghan quality assurance personnel were on site for part of the project; multiple oversight visits were conducted by USACE engineers and quality assurance personnel.

SIGAR added since USACE actively took steps to hold its contractor accountable, the facility appeared well built and ready for productive use. Such a facility would likely improve the ability of Afghan farmers to preserve fruits and vegetables for sale to national and international markets.

“However, TFBSO has not achieved what it told us was the key to the project’s success— the operation, maintenance, and control of the facility by an Afghan business,” the report Added.

Although the failure by Omaid Bahar Ltd to expand its operations was beyond TFBSO control, this potential investor was not identified until the project was approved and the contract awarded.

“And the greatest concern may revolve around insurgent activity in Greshk. Unless that concern can be overcome, the United States may face yet another situation where taxpayers’ money may have been wasted.”

The report found potential investors told TFBSO that the Afghan district governor had asked for money from the investors and the contractor before leasing the property.

SIGAR’s multiple requests to visit the facility were denied due to security concerns. Construction was completed in May 2013 — 243 days after the required date of completion.

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