Construction projects adding security

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- British defense officials say the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand province is increasing the level of security in the region.

The British 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, deployed to Helmand since April, has been working with the Afghan National Police in the region on several building projects aimed at adding security to the former Taliban stronghold and also improving the lives of local Afghan citizens, the British Ministry of Defense reported.

The engineer unit announced the completion of an orphanage, a nursery and a women's center in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, along with the recent construction of two security checkpoints.

One of the goals of the operation in Helmand is to offer work to local Afghans -- who, officials say, were responsible for a majority of the recent construction -- in addition to ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in the region.

"These projects bring the people of Helmand security and increase their quality of life." Abdul Sattar, Helmand province deputy governor, said in a statement.

"It is also good that they create work, which is a key part of our anti-poppy cultivation project."