Ottawa opens bidding to repair Kandahar dam

STEVE RENNIE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Refurbishing a derelict Afghan dam has been billed as one of Canada's “signature projects” in the war-ravaged nation, but defence analysts say these major initiatives carry a giant bull's eye for militants desperate to obliterate tangible signs of progress – and morale. The warning comes as the federal government issued a tender Monday for the repair of the Dahla dam on the Arghandab River in northern Kandahar province. Years of war and neglect have taken their toll on the dam. Canada will spend up to $50-million (U.S.) to refurbish the dam to improve irrigation and open up new, fertile soil for farmers deep into the Arghandab River Valley. Other international partners, including USAID, could also contribute to the project. The Dahla dam's repair is one of three signature projects... [read full story]