Minister Emerson Announces Additional Support for Reconstruction of Sarpoza Prison

The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is providing additional support for the reconstruction of Sarpoza Prison in Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

“Canada is committed to working with local Afghan authorities to ensure that Sarpoza Prison is rebuilt as quickly as possible,” said Minister Emerson. “Our support for emergency repairs, combined with longer-term infrastructure projects, equipment and ongoing mentoring and training initiatives, will build on the good work already begun.”

Canada is providing $4 million in funding to the reconstruction effort. Up to $2million of this funding will directly support urgently needed repairs resulting from the June 13 attack on the prison, including rebuilding of the facility’s gates, walls, and towers.

The remaining funds will be allocated to a variety of initiatives, including upgrades to the infirmary, electrical installations and flooring; purchase of uniforms and training supplies; delivery of training and mentoring in the area of human rights; basic security measures; and funding for operations and maintenance, such as fuel maintenance and general maintenance at the prison.

Through its Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar, Canada is responding to specific infrastructure, training and other needs aimed at strengthening Sarpoza Prison’s correctional capacity. Located on the western edge of Kandahar City, the prison is a regional, multi-level security facility that can accommodate up to 2,000 inmates.

This $4-million prison-reconstruction project draws on Canada’s existing $35million Global Peace and Security Fund allocation for Afghanistan, and builds on Canada’s previous commitment of $1.5million for the prison.

Maintaining a more secure environment and establishing law and order by building the capacity of the Afghan National Army and Police, and supporting complementary efforts in the areas of justice and corrections, are among the six priorities for Afghanistan announced by the Government of Canada on June 10, 2008.

For further information on Canada’s priorities in Afghanistan from now until 2011, please go to www.afghanistan.gc.ca.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-992-7332

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874