SAE eNEWSLETTER - Society of Afghan Engineers

A QUARTERLY UPDATE FROM THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS

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SAE eNEWSLETTER Volume 4, Issue 2 Hamal 1393 April 2014

P.O. Box 11097 Alexandria, Virginia 22312 http://www.afghan-engineers.org/index.html

_________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________ _

Dear Colleagues:

This issue of the SAE

eNewsletter (newsletter)

features the report about

the Society’s annual

general assembly.

There is a progress report

about SAE 2014 election

and appointments of the

Election Committee.

We hope that you find this

issue of the newsletter

informative.

Please contribute to your

newsletter by sending us

technical news, articles,

comments, suggestions,

questions, and opinions

about SAE and this

publication.

Very Truly Yours,

Ghulam Mujtaba

G. Mujtaba, MS- CE, P.E., CPM;

Editor- In- Chief,

SAE eNewsletter

“This issue of the

SAE eNewsletter

(newsletter) features

news about the

Society’s annual

general assembly.”

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

2 Greetings from SAE President

2 The Society of Afghan

Engineers’ (SAE) Annual

General Assembly

Teleconference

3 The Society of Afghan

Engineers’ 2014 Election

5 Dr. Z. Baha’s Appointment as

Board member

6 Membership News

6

New Members

6 Membership Renewal fee 2014

7 Achievements and Awards

7 Saber Sarwary’s appointment

8 The Society of Afghan Engineers

Organization

9 Membership Application/ Update

10 Appendix

11 General Annual Assembly

Minutes


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GREETINGS FROM THE SAE PRESIDENT

Dear Members of the Society of Afghan Engineers:

This issue of the newsletter is disseminated during the month of Hamal, which is the first month of the

Hijri Shamsi Year 1393. I would like to take this opportunity to wish members of the Society of Afghan

Engineers and other colleagues a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. I hope that this year will be

the year of peace and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan and the world.

In every issue of the newsletter we have tried to inform our colleagues regarding the current SAE

activities, its future plans, and how each one of us can play a key role in our future successes.

This year is the election year for the president and 9 members of the board of Directors. The elected

officers will start their jobs on January 1, 2015. I invite all SAE Members to actively participate in this

year's election by either running for an office, nominating eligible members; and by voting for the

candidates of their choices.

Hopefully, the SAE team members; including, the current Board of Directors; Executive Committee and

other Committee members; and Local Chapters perform their responsibilities in such a manner that meet

the expectations of our society members.

Very Truly Yours,

Ghulam Mujtaba

G. Mujtaba, MS- CE, P.E., CPM; M.ASCE

President, the Society of Afghan Engineers

The Society of Afghan Engineers’ (SAE) Annual General

Assembly Teleconference

The Society held annual general assembly meeting at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, January 18, 2014 (USA

Eastern time), which is equivalent to 10:30 PM, Kabul time. The purpose the meeting was to report the

2013 annual SAE activities to its members and other interested participants. More than thirty members

and guests from Afghanistan and different States of the United Sates were present during the

teleconference. Also, speakers were invited to present educational topics.

Minister Najibullah Aoudjan participated in the SAE annual general assembly meeting by calling from

Kabul. He talked about the Salang Tunnel Emergency Repair and Construction Options for next 50 years.

Mr. Michael Sanio, M.ASCE, CAE, ENV SP; Director of the Sustainability and International Alliances of

the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was the keynote speaker at the SAE annual general

Assembly. The Executive Committee; other Committees/Subcommittees; and Local Chapters presented

their activity reports.


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The last part of the conference was allocated for discussions, questions and answers. The meeting agenda

and minutes are included in the Appendix part of the newsletter.

The Society of Afghan Engineers’ 2014 Election

The Society of Afghan Engineers will elect their President and 9 members of the Board of Directors in

2014. The newly elected members will start their work on January 1, 2015 and continue until December

31, 2017. The election committee will supervise the election process. The bylaws of the Society of

Afghan Engineers mandate that the results of the election to be announced by December15, 2014. In

accordance with the bylaws, the President of the Society nominates the Chairperson of the Election

Committee and members recommend the Committee members. Board of Directors reviews the

nominations and select four Election Committee members from the list of recommended names. In line

with this mandate, during their March 26, 2014 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the nomination

of the Chairman of the Election Committee and selected four members from the list of the nominees that

were recommended by the Society members.

Accordingly, Amir Shah Zahori was nominated and approved to serve as the Chairman of the Election

Committee and Mr. Hamayon Ibrahim, Mr. Najib Kazimi, Dr. Nadir Sidiqi and Ms. Aziza Tarin were

nominated and approved as Committee members. Their biographies are as follows:

1. Sayed Amir Shah Zahori, Chairman, Election Committee

Mr. Sayed Amir Shah Zahori was born in Kabul, and studied in Habibia High

School. He graduated from Kabul Polytechnic University, with MS degree in Civil/ Hydraulic major.

After graduation, he worked in different civil engineering and construction projects with Helmand

Construction Company- Central Unit (Ministry of Energy and Water) in Kabul, and northern provinces-

Mazar-e Sharif and Samangan.

He continued working in civil engineering positions, and hydro-technical projects in Iran (Esfahan, and

Khorasan-Mashad) and for about 10 years.

In the United Sates, Mr. Zahori worked in civil engineering and construction jobs in Laboratories with

private companies, engineering consulting firms, and government (Caltrans- district 4 Castro Valley

office) for 5 years. He has been working in Engineering and Construction Department of the city of

Redwood City in California for about 10 years.


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2. Mr. Hamayon Ibrahim, Member, Election Committee

Mr. Hamayon Ibrahim has received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Faculty of

Engineering, Kabul University, Afghanistan in 1983. He worked as an architect with Design

Department of the Ministry of Interior, Kabul, Afghanistan from January 1, 1984 to February 2, 1985.

He has designed projects such as cafeterias, conference halls, and dormitories.

He has received his license in architecture from Pakistan and has worked as an architect from March

1985- November 1986 in Engineering Shop, Islamabad, Pakistan. He has designed projects such as

schools, clinics, office buildings, and residential complexes.

Mr. Hamayon Ibrahim is currently working as a Project Manager/Engineer with Paciulli, Simmons &

Associates, Fairfax, Virginia. He prepare site-engineering plans which include design work in

grading, drainage, sanitary sewer, best management practice, hydrology and hydraulics, water system,

highways and street geometry design, erosion control and other related site design works.

He traveled to Afghanistan in March-October 2011. He was involved in design and construction

management of sport’s parks in Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Jalalabad cities for US Embassy in Kabul

under contract with DGC International, a USA based company.

3. Dr. Nadir Sediqi. Member, Election Committee

Dr. Sidiqi received his B.S. degree in Horticulture Science from the

Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan in 1989. He obtained his MS in Plant Sciences from

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2003. He received second Master degree in Biology

from New Mexico State University. Afterwards he received his Ph.D. degree in Agriculture Science from

Atlantic International University. Dr. Sidiqi holds a license as an agricultural adviser with the State of

California, department of pesticide regulation. Currently he is the CEO/President of Organic Ecocare Inc.,

since 2008 which provides seminars and continuing education for the State of California Department of

pesticide regulation. He has been invited as a guest speaker in Afghan TV channel based in California and

remained from September/2012 through May, 2013 as a host on Iman TV based in Fremont, California.

4. Najib Kazimi, B. S., Member, Election Committee

Mr. Najib Kazim received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Faculty of

Engineering Kabul University in 1983. After immigration to the United States of America, he attended

Pratt Institute, School of Engineering (Civil), in New York (Private University) and received his Bachelor

of Science degree in 1993.

Mr. Kazimi is currently working as Transportation Engineer (Civil) with the design shop of the California

Department of Transportation.


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5. Aziza Tarin, B. S., Member, Election Committee

Ms. Aziza Tarin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering and

Environmental Science from San Jose State University in the state of California. After graduation, she

has worked as Project Engineer for land development and geotechnical companies on various projects,

including residential, commercial, and public facilities.

Currently, Ms. Tarin is working as Construction Quality Control Supervisor for Gas Transmission

pipelines with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company, which is a combined natural gas and electric

utility provider in northern and central California. The company is working on the gas transmission

pipeline project that involves upgrading key gas transmission pipeline segments located in heavily

populated and critical areas. She leads a team of quality control engineers who provide quality assurance

and quality control of gas transmission as-built per PG&E standards and regulatory requirements for the

general construction organization.

Congratulations to Professor Zarjon Baha for his appointment as

Member of Board of Directors of the Society of Afghan Engineers

Professor Zarjon Baha, professor at Purdue University, member of the Society of Afghan Engineers

(SAE); and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of Kabul University has

been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for the position that was

vacated by Mr. Mohammed Hashim Rayek former SAE member of the Board

of Directors. The Board of Directors has unanimously approved his

appointment during the meeting on Februay 19, 2014.

Dr. Zarjon Baha was born in Yousaf-Khail, WardaK. He received his high

school diploma from Teacher Training High School, Kabul, and his B.S degree

from the Faculty of Engineering of Kabul University. Upon his graduation

from the Faculty of Engineering, he was employed by the same college for a

teaching position. He got his M.S. degree in Civil Engineering, (Structures),

from Purdue University in 1966. Upon completion of his M.S. degree, he returned to Afghanistan and

taught at the Faculty of Engineering for about three years. He completed his PhD at North Carolina State

University at Raleigh, NC; where upon completion of his degree continued teaching at the Faculty of

Engineering of Kabul University at the Department of Civil and Agriculture Engineering, in 1973. He

was elected as the Department head of Civil and Agricultural Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering,

and in 1975, was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and served in that capacity until

1978.

He has been working at Purdue University for the last 30 years, as a teacher at the Department of

Building Construction Management, except during the five years of his work in Malaysia through the

International Programs of Purdue University. He started as a visiting professor in 1982, became a tenure

track associate professor in 1984, and promoted to a full professor’ position in 1990.

Membership News

In this section the news about the seminars participation of members, new membership, awards, promotions,

retirement and loss of the Society members will be provided.


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New Members

By: By: M. Saber Sarwary, P.E.; Membership Committee Chairman

The Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) welcomes Mr. Sediq Quiam and Mr. Zahori who have recently

joined the Society as the new members:

Mr. Sediq Quiam

Mr. Sediq Quiam serves as civil engineer in the field of construction engineering in Kabul Afghanistan.

He has worked with governmental agencies and private companies; and has participated in the training

activities of the Kabul Polytechnic and Faculty of Engineering students; in the area of the

construction/earthquakes.

Mr. Quiam is born in Kabul Afghanistan. He has received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the

Faculty of Engineering of Kabul University in 1974. He has studied in PPoolliisshh PPoollyytteecchhnniicc,, SSzzcczzeecciinn,,

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Mr. Said Amirsha Zahori

Mr. Said Amirsha Zahori graduated from Kabul University (Polytechnic) and currently working with city

of Redwood City. He is born in Kabul, Afghanistan and studied in Habibia High School. He

graduated from Kabul Polytechnic University, with MS degree in Civil/ Hydraulic.

After graduation, he worked in different civil engineering projects with Helmand Construction Company

(Ministry of Energy and Water) in Kabul, and Northern provinces. He continued working in civil

engineering positions with private consulting firms and governmental agencies abroad. He is currently

working with Engineering and Construction Department of the city of Redwood City in California.

Membership Renewal 2014

The attached form includes application for the new members and membership renewal. The application

forms may be viewed at SAE website. The members are requested to take a few minutes of their time to

inform the Society by sending their updated contact information.

The completed application/renewal forms may be mailed to Mr. Jawad Ibrahim at P.O. Box 11097 Alexandria, Virginia

22312

Membership Renewal Fee 2014

Mr. Atiq Panjshiri, SAE Vice President, reported that as of March 27, 2014, he has received the

membership renewal fee for the year 2014 and generous donations from the following SAE members for:


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1. Ghulam Mujtaba-------------- $110

2. Manan Khalid-------------------- $60

3. Aminullah Mahmood----------- $60

4. Steve Rossi--------------------- $100

5. Bashir Kazimee---------------- $100

6. Zar Jan Baha------------------- $100

7. Atiq Panjshiri-------------------- $60

8. Abdul W. Hassani-------------- $60

Achievements and Awards

The newsletter will inform their readers of winners of awards or any other successes of Afghan

professionals and students, especially, their Society members. You can help the SAE eNewsletter editors

by providing the news of the achievements, award winners, promotions, and any other success stories.

“Advise us of success stories or achievements of the Society members and any Afghan professionals and students.”

Congratulations to Mr. Mohammad Saber Sarwary for his appointment

as Interim Department Manager and City Engineer

Mr. Mohammad Saber Sarwary has been appointed to serve as the Interim

Community Development Services Department Manager and City Engineer

for the City of Redwood City, California effective March 3, 2014. He is

responsible for the planning, management, organization, and coordination of

the work of one of the major functions in the Community Development

Services Department. Mr. Sarwary implements the mission of the department,

the vision and values of the organization, and the policy direction as set by the

City Council. Mr. Mohammad Saber Sarwary is a registered professional civil engineer in the State of

California.

Mr. Sarwary is born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Mr. Sarwary received his Bachelor of Science Degree in civil

engineering from Kabul University in 1981 and his Diploma in Soil Mechanics & Foundation

Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi, India in 1987. After graduation from

Kabul University, he worked for a short time as an academic staff member of the Faculty of Engineering

of Kabul University and then continued his work with the Ministry of Public Works. In the United States,

Mr. Sarwary has been working with Community Development Department Services of the City of

Redwood in Northern California for the Past 24 years. Mr. Sarwary has also been involved in the design

and construction activities of Abu Baker -e- Siddique Grand Mosque in Hayward California.


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THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS ORGANIZATION

SAE E-Executive Committee Members: President: Ghulam Mujtaba; Vice President: Atiq Panjshiri

Treasurer: Jawad Ibrahim, and Secretary: Luis Durani

SAE Board of Directors: Chairman: M. Qasem Kadir; Members: Zarjon Baha; Yar M. Ebadi; Mohammad

Saleh Keshawarz; Abdul Manan Khalid; Amanullah Mommandi; Mohammad Najib Poya; and Abdul Saboor

Rahim

SAE Past Presidents: Malik Mortaza; Sohaila Sanie Shekib; Ahmad Wali Shairzay; Mohammed Hashim Rayek;

Abdul Hadi Rakin; M. Qasem Kadir; and Abdul Hadi Rakin

Chairpersons SAE Committees/Subcommittees: Sohaila S. Shekib; M. Saber Sarwary; Samay Stanackzai;

Ghulam Mujtaba; Nazeer Babakarkhial;Hasan Nouri; Najim Azadzoi; Atiq Panjshiri;Abdul Karim Yusufzai; A. S. Rahim;

Shad M. Sargand

SAE Local Chapter Coordinators: Najim Azadzoi - Massachusetts; M. Qasem Kadir - Southern California; A.

Manan Khalid - New York and New Jersey; Mohammad Mirwais – Kabul; Amanullah Mommandi – Colorado Chapter

Coordinator; M. Qaseem Naimi – Toronto, Canada; Atiq Panjshiri - Virginia and Washington DC

SAE Manager Membership Committee: Naim Shahab Email: [email protected]

SAE eNewsletter Editorial Board: Editor -In -Chief: Ghulam Mujtaba, M.S, CE, P.E., CPM E-Mail:

[email protected];

Editorial Board Members: A. Wahed Hassani, Ph.D.,P.E. Email: [email protected]; A. Manan Khalid,

M.S., P.E., LEED AP E-Mail: [email protected] ;

SAE eNewsletter Regional Representatives: Mohammad Mirwais Email: [email protected]; Daod

Mohammad Email: [email protected]

Subscribe/Unsubscribe: The subscription to the SAE eNewsletter is free. If you are not receiving the SAE

eNewsletter directly and would like to subscribe, please send a note to: [email protected] with the

subject "Subscribe: SAE eNewsletter”. To unsubscribe, send a note with the subject "Unsubscribe: SAE

eNewsletter".

Disclaimer: The author, reporter, or agency of each publication, project, news, and products is included in

this newsletter. Additional contact information of the authors and their agencies are available with the

Editorial Board of the newsletter and may be provided upon request. The Editorial Board of the Society of

Afghan Engineers, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, or any of its members is not liable for the

accuracy or contents of the information. The reports and information are included as provided by the authors

and agencies without any changes in the substance of the documents. The information about the agency

products or services is not the SAE endorsement.

mailto:[email protected]








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THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS

P.O. BOX 11097

Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Telephone: 703-407-2600

Email: [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/UPDATES

Name: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: Home: ___________________ Office: __________________________

Email: ____________________________________________

The active members of the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE): Please mark (x) the appropriate box related to your

address and other contact information.

------- Yes, the above is a change of address or contact information.

-------- No, the above address is the same as it is recorded on the SAE’s Current Membership List

Please mark (x) the appropriate box if you are submitting this application to join as a new member of SAE:

____ A regular member: I have at least four years of architectural or engineering education. A copy of my education

certificate is attached.

____ Associate member: I have at least four years of education in the technical or professional fields other than

architectural of engineering. A copy of my education certificate is attached.

The SAE is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Amount of Annual 2014 Membership fee: $60.00

Donation: : ------------

Total: : ------------

Please send your check or money order payable to the Society of Afghan Engineers.

Suggestion and comments:________________________________________________________________________

Signature:_______________________________________________ Date: ______________________


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APPENDIX

Minutes of the Society of Afghan Engineers General Assembly of January 18, 2014


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February 5, 2014

Dear Colleagues:

The annual general assembly of the Society of Afghan Engineers was held by teleconference on January

18, 2014. The attached documents are the minutes of the proceedings; including speeches, reports, and

discussions.

Please review the minutes and advise if there are any questions, comments, or suggested modification.

Respectfully submitted by:

Ghulam Mujtaba Ghulam Mujtaba, MSCE, P.E., CPM, M.ASCE President, Society of Afghan Engineers Telephone: (352) 377- 5497 (Res.)


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THE SOCIETY OF AFGHAN ENGINEERS

General Annual Assembly Teleconference

Saturday, January18, 2014

1:00 -4:00 PM EST (Washington DC.)

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pacific Time (California)

10:30 PM January 18 to 1:30 AM January 19, 2014 (Kabul Time)

MINUTES

The annual general assembly teleconference of the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE) was called to

order by the Society President at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, January 18, 2014 (USA Eastern time), which is

equivalent to 10:30 PM, Kabul time. The purpose the meeting was to report the annual activities of the Society

of Afghan Engineers (SAE) to its members and other interested participants. Also, speakers were invited to

present educational topics.

Meeting Attendees: The meeting attendees were from Kabul and different states of the United Sates, as

shown below:

LIST OF THE JANUARY 18, 2014 SAE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TELECONFERENCE ATTENDEES

No. NAME E-Mail Address Location

1 M. Nadir Sidiqi [email protected]

California

2 Atiq Panjshiri [email protected]

Virginia

3 Aziz Ghani [email protected]

Virginia

4 Abdul Hadi Rakin [email protected] Virginia

5 Ghulam Mujtaba [email protected] Florida

https://us-mg205.mail.yahoo.com/yab-fe/mu/MainView?.src=neo&themeName=lightblue&bn=54_9862&s=1&isFresh=1&bucketId=0&stab=1390252201511




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6 Zarjon Baha [email protected] Indiana

7 Ashraf Roshan [email protected]

Virginia

8 Najim Azadzoi [email protected] Massachusetts

9 Saleh Keshawarz [email protected] Connecticut

10 Michael R. Sanio [email protected]

Virginia

11 Sohaila Shekib [email protected] Virginia

12 Hasan Nouri [email protected] California

13 Abdul W. Hassani [email protected] Nebraska

14 Hashim Rayek [email protected] Virginia

15 Abdul Saboor Rahim [email protected] California

16 A. Manan khalid [email protected] New York

17 Jawad Naweed [email protected] Virginia

18 Abdullah Noorzad [email protected]

Virginia

19 Belqis Majboor [email protected] Florida

20 M. Kabir Majboor [email protected] Florida

21 Ghulam Qadir [email protected]

Florida

22 Bahaudin G. Mujtaba [email protected]

Florida

23 Hamayon Ibrahim [email protected] Virginia

24 M.Saber Sarwary [email protected] California

25 Najibullah Aoudjan [email protected] Afghanistan









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26 Mark Qasem Kadir [email protected] California

27 Najib Poya [email protected] California

28 Aminullah Mahmood [email protected] California

29 Abdullah Nadi [email protected]

Virginia

30 Amanullah Mommandi

[email protected]

Colorado

31 Najib Kazimi [email protected]

California

32** Ahmad Farid Haidari [email protected] Virginia

33** Hafizullah Wardak [email protected] Washington

34* Phone: (760) 705-.....

35* Phone: (925) 470-....

36* Phone: (937) 521-....

37* Phone: (305) 342-....

38* Phone: (925) 736-....

39* Phone: (402) 660-....

The telephone number indicates that the colleagues have participated in teleconference, but, not

registered prior to the meeting. Their names and other contact information are not available.

**Registered for the teleconference and were not able to attend.






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General Assembly Teleconference AGENDA

Saturday, January18, 2014

1:00 -4:00 PM EST (Washington DC.)

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pacific Time (California)

10:30 PM January 18 - 1:30 AM January 19, 2014 (Kabul Time)

TIME PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION TOPIC PRESENTER

1:00- 1:10 Membership introduction and roll call ………………... Atiq Panjshiri 1:10- 1:15 Recitation of Holy Quran……………………………… M. Nadir Sidiqi 1:15- 1:25 Welcome statement and opening remarks…………… Ghulam Mujtaba 1:25- 1:30 A message from the SAE Board of Directors………..... M. Q. Kadir 1:30- 2:00 Salang Tunnel Emergency Repair and Construction Options for next 50 years…………….. Minister Najibullah Aoudjan 2:00- 2:15 Opportunities for Engineering Professional Development...Mike Sanio, Keynote Speaker

2:15- 2:38 Questions, Answers, and Discussions……………………..Mike Sanio 2:38- 2:45 Financial Report………………………………………… Jawad Ibrahim/Atiq Panjshiri 2:45- 3:30 Reports of the Committee/Subcommittee and Local Chapter reports………………………………… Local Chapter Coordinators and Committee/Subcommittee Leaders*

3:30- 4:05 Discussions, Questions, Answers Next Meeting Date and Closing Remarks........................... Ghulam Mujtaba 4:06 PM Teleconference Adjournment

*The list of the Local Chapter Coordinators and Committee/Subcommittee leaders are included in the report section of the minutes.


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Presentations and Discussions

Membership Introduction and Roll Call

By: Atiq Panjshiri, SAE Vice President

Mr. Panjshiri SAE Vice President and Virginia/Washington DC Chapter Coordinator welcomed

the teleconference attendees and introduced the Local Chapter colleagues who were gathered

in the conference room of the Sanie Consulting Group. Subsequent to that he asked attendees

of the other Chapters to introduce themselves.

Recitation of Holy Quran

By: Dr. Nadir Sidiqi

Mr.Dr. Ndir Sidiqi recited a few versus of Holy Quran followed by a sermon. He prayed for the

success of the SAE members in the accomplishments of their goals and for peace in Afghanistan

and the World.

WELCOME STATEMENT AND OPENNING REMARKS

By Ghulam Mujtaba, SAE President

January 18, 2014

Dear Members and Guests of the Society of Afghan Engineers: Greetings to all of you!

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, we start the annual general assembly of

the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE).

I welcome His Excellency Najibullah Aoudjan, Minister of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan who has taken the time from his busy schedule to participate in this meeting. It is also a privilege that in this teleconference we hear the voices of other distinguished professionals from Afghanistan and different states of the United States. I welcome all of you and thank you for participation in this teleconference, especially those members who have participated at this late time from Afghanistan.


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This is the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the SAE. It is necessary that we should mention and thank those members who have made efforts to establish the Society and those Society members who made efforts in the developmental activities of the Society. This is the last year of the current officers’ service term. Thanks to all of you for the trust and confidence in your elected officers. It is indeed an honor and privilege for me to serve as the President of the Society. Hopefully in the last two years of our service we have been able to meet your expectations and the expectations of other professionals of our native land, Afghanistan.

The purpose of this meeting is that the Society Officers, Committees, and Local Chapters inform

you of the Society activities during one year of their services and outline the challenges for the

coming years.

As you see in the agenda, during the first part of the meeting Mr. Aoudjan will discuss the

Salang Tunnel emergency repair and the status of the future activities of the Ministry of Public

Works related to the construction of Salang routes and tunnels.

We are pleased that Mr. Mike Sanio, Director, Sustainability and International Alliances of the

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will join us in this meeting. He will have a

presentation about opportunities for engineering professional development.

In addition to financial report, Local Chapter Coordinators and Committee leaders may present

their activity reports. At the last part of the assembly, the agenda includes time for discussions

and question/answers.

The following are the highlights of the Society activities in 2013:

1. Committees/Subcommittees: In accordance with the SAE Bylaw and Manual the officers and counselors of a few committees/subcommittees have been appointed. The list of the Committee/Subcommittee leaders is included with the meeting agenda.

2. The formation or reestablishment of Local chapters: Currently SAE has eight Local Chapters in USA and Canada. The list of the coordinators is also included with meeting agenda.

3. Salang Tunnel Emergency Repair Work: The Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan requested SAE to prepare the design of the urgent repairs for the pavement of Salang Tunnel. An SAE volunteer taskforce was assigned to prepare the pavement design and specifications for this work. It is a privilege that the Society of Afghan Engineers was also voluntarily involved in the review of the feasibility study of future Salang alternative routes. The SAE provided their review comments and submitted them to the Ministry of Public Works.


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4. Publication of the SAE eNewsletter: The Electronic Newsletter Subcommittee published the first issue of its fourth year publication in January 2014. Mr. A. Manan Khalid will present the activities of the Newsletter Subcommittee during the Committee/Subcommittee reports.

I will mention a few goals of the Society as follows:

The future of the SAE goals should be to involve younger generations and students in SAE activities. This was suggested by Professor Z. Baha former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of Kabul University.

The SAE should plan for providing scholarship to students.

Since holding of national and international conferences require travel and expenses. It is better if SAE increase their activities at Local level.

Currently the annual membership fee is on the volunteer bases. The Society may need to review this requirement.

The achievement of the goals of the Society of Afghan Engineers requires teamwork and

participation in activities of the committee and local chapters.

It should be noted that this year is the election year for the election of the new president and

members of the Board of directors. The election committee will conduct the nomination and

election process of nine members of the board of directors and president of the Society. Upon

their election, the Society officers will serve for next three years, starting on January 1, 2015.

The election committee consists of the chairperson and four members. Please advise me if you

are interested to serve as the Chairperson or member of the election committee. Each member

has the right to submit the names of two interested members, for consideration and approval

as member of the Election Committee.

We are looking forward to the success of our Society. Please let us know of your suggestions

regarding the future goals and vision of the SAE. All of us are excited to hear the voice of His

Excellency Minister Aoudjan, keynote speaker Mr. Sanio, and other presentations. I do not want

you to wait longer.

Thanks for paying attention.

Ghulam Mujtaba


19

A Message from the SAE Board of Directors

BY: M. Q. Kadir , Chairman of the Board of Directors

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and SAE guests Salaam –

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Society of Afghan Engineers, I welcome you to the

SAE 2013 General Assembly. I take the opportunity and thank Mr. Aoudjan, Minister of Public

Work of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Mike Sanio, Director, Sustainability and

International Alliances, American Society of Civil Engineers, Mr. Mujtaba, SAE President,

members of the SAE Board of Directors, members of the SAE Executive Committee, and all

guests for attending today’s General assembly.

SAE was formed 1993, and the year 2013, was the 20th anniversary of this organization. During

this past 20 years, SAE had organized many high level conferences and Seminars. Muhtaram

Ustad Mujtaba, the SAE President, just reported the SAE Activities of the last 2 years. Since, I

have only few minutes time and with respect to the agenda, I would like to focus more on the

future of the SAE: The past two decade had its own challenges and opportunities and we sized

up on the opportunities and learned from the challenges. It is time to define the vision of the

SAE for the next 10 years and where do we want SAE to be by the year 2023. We must find and

encourage younger generation to take the lead on this task.

This year is the election year and SAE will elect new President and members of the Board of

Directors. We all have responsibilities towards this organization and finding and encouraging

younger generation to lead this organization into the next decade is one of our responsibilities.

SAE will definitely benefit from combining the skill, energy and new vision of the younger

generation with the experience of veteran generation. We must let the youth take charge of

the Society and support them with our wisdom along the path. This new decade belongs to the

youth and they need to define the vision of the SAE.

We are very privileged to have some of the founders and long term members of the SAE among

us. I want to thank Mr. Hadi Rakin, Mr. Mohammad Hashim Rayek, Mrs. Sohaila Shekib, and Mr.

Atiq Panjshiri for all their efforts and standing by this organization all these years.

At the end, I want to thank you all for attending today’s General Assembly and look forward to

hear from Mr. Aoudjan, Minister of Public Work of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and

other speakers.


20

Thank you for your time and Khuda Hafiz.

M. Qasem Kadir SAE, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Salang Tunnel Emergency Repair and Construction

Options for next 50 years

The SAE President mentioned that we are very pleased that His Excellency, Minister Najibullah

Aoudjan has participated in the SAE annual general assembly meeting. Minister Aoudjan is an

active member of the Society of Afghan Engineers. He is born in Kabul, Afghanistan and has

received his degree in Civil and Industrial Construction Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of

Kabul University. Following his graduation from Polytechnic Institute, he worked in different

positions; including design and Deputy Director of PAMA. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Aoudjan

served as the Technical Deputy Minister of Urban Planning Ministry.

Outside of Afghanistan, Mr. Aoudjan attained additional education in Metal, Concrete, and

European Norms and Standards in Holland, and served as a Design Engineer in one of Holland’s

most reputable engineering companies. From 2003 to 2005, he worked as Technical Advisor

and Director of Technical Board, Afghanistan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.

Mr. Aoudjan has been working as the Minister of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of

Afghanistan since his appointment on March 5, 2012.

The SAE President welcomed Minister Aoudjan to the SAE General Assembly and thanked him for accepting the SAE’s invitation to provide us updated information regarding Salang Tunnel Emergency Repair and Construction Options of Salang routes for next 50 years. The following are highlights of his speech:

By: Najibullah Aoudjan, Minister of Public works Dear President, Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba, and Members of the Society of Afghan Engineers: It is a pleasure to participate in the Society’s annual general assembly teleconference and thank

the Society of Afghan Engineers for their assistance with the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) in

the preparation of the design and specification of the emergency repair work of Salang Tunnel

pavement. The Society has also provided assistance to MPW by review of the feasibility study

report of the Salang Alternative routes. The study of alternative routes of Salang pass has been

performed by USAID retained consultants, which includes the rehabilitation of the existing


21

Salang tunnel and plan for future routes to connect the northern and southern regions of

Afghanistan.

I am going to discuss the highlights of a few activities of the MPW during past year, including:

Establishment of daily routine work items.

The repair of the of 80% work activities by Ministry’s workforce.

The emergency repairs of Salang Roadway.

Implementation of avalanche control with the technical help from government of Italy.

About 20 workers have been trained in this area. We will do our best to prevent the

future disasters due to avalanche and water damages.

The plan is to start the repair/construction of the part of the roadway from Jabal Seraj

to Salang in March 2014.

The construction activities of the expansion of the roadway curves from Olang to

Doshak Road.

With the help of USAID there is a plan for the construction of two power stations. The

work of one of them may start in March or April 2014 and will be finished in one year.

The feasibility study of the Salang alternative routes has been completed. The USAID

representatives presented the results of their study which was sent to SAE for review

comments and suggestions. The study includes six alternative routes. The USAID engineers have

recommended Option No.2, which consists of the construction of new tunnel next to the

existing tunnel; the repair and rehabilitation of the existing tunnel; and improvement of the

existing roadways. The new tunnel will be used for the north bound traffic and the existing

tunnel will be used for southbound traffic. The Society of Afghan Engineers recommend the

selection of option 2C, which includes the construction of entire road between Jabalseraj and

Khinjan as a 4-lane roadway and (2) two lane tunnels, which will provide two lane traffic in each

direction.

There is a problem of avalanche that needs construction of new galleries. Therefore, MoPW

discussed the possibility of selection of alternative No.3, which consists of :

• 2-lane northbound road from Olang to Doshak • Two 2-lane end to end northbound tunnels • Rehab Salang tunnel for southbound traffic • Reconstruct existing roads to 4 lanes

Currently the geological study of Alternative No.3 is in progress. A group of five experts are

busy in this study and upon its completion it will be sent for review. The SAE’s continued


22

assistance with MOPW is needed. Whichever alternative is selected, it will be very important

project. The government has decided to proceed with the planning and construction of the

project. Upon its construction, the roadways will be considered to be part of the New Silk Road.

It will offer a brighter future by economically connecting Afghanistan to its neighbors. The New

Silk Road vision will be improving transport, communications, and energy infrastructure of

Afghanistan.

I am hoping that you enjoy the Annual General Assembly and wishing SAE success in the

accomplishment of its goals.

Thanks for paying attention.

Minister N. Aoudjan

Discussion: At the end of the Minister’s presentation, Mr. Mommandi informed Minister

Aoudjan that he has provided the feasibility study of alternative Salang Routes to the Colorado

Department of Transportation for review comments. Minister thanked him for his efforts and

requested that they should send their review comments as soon as they can.

There was not any other question or suggestions. The SAE President, once again, thanked

Minister Aoudjan for his participation in the meeting and presentation about an important

national project.

Opportunities for Engineering Professional Development

Mr. Michael Sanio, M.ASCE, CAE, ENV SP; Director of the Sustainability and International Alliances of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was the keynote speaker at the SAE annual general Assembly. He is staff contact for the Committee on Sustainability and the liaison to World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO); Pan American Association of Engineers (UPADI); American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES); and United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The SAE President welcomed Mr. Sanio to the SAE general assembly and mentioned that he has

played an active role in a few ASCE/SAE joint Afghanistan related capacity building projects. He

added that the Society needs Director Sanio’s continued support in the area of establishment of

sustainability policies and other professional civil engineering activities. He thanked him for

accepting the SAE’s invitation to attend this meeting during the weekend and deliver his speech

about opportunities for engineering professional development.

The following are highlights of his speech:


23

Greetings to all attendees of the meeting!

Thanks to SAE for the invitation. I am pleased to be here and support your initiative, which is

support for the Afghanistan and its professional engineering communities within and outside

Afghanistan. I represent the ASCE to assure you of our continued support for your initiatives. I

will discuss my ideas related to the opportunities for the development of engineering

professionals. In addition to my discussions, I will provide you my power point presentations for

further details and references. ASCE has continued the dialogue with its Afghan and Iraqi

colleagues regarding its support for the development of a capacity building program.

ASCE has worked with SAE and other worldwide professional organizations so that they better

serve their public and the engineering professions in their countries and develop infrastructure

projects that can promote economic growth in their countries. I will mention a few ASCE

activities that have been performed together with SAE in the last few years.

ASCE hosted delegation from Afghanistan, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of Kabul

University and a few members of the professional societies so that they learn that how

professional societies run in the United States.

In 2007, ASCE and SAE collaborated with Kabul University to provide a pilot round of training,

mentor Afghan Engineering firms, and develop partnership that can play a constructive role in

Afghanistan’s redevelopment. The pilot course was held in USA and training courses for

engineers were offered in Kabul University by SAE.

The ASCE hosted a workshop in Washington DC in 2007 to encourage the senior members of US

– based engineering firms to serve as mentors to principles of fledgling engineering firms in

Afghanistan. Mr. Fredric S. Berger, P.E, M. ASCE a senior vice president of the Louis Berger

Group Inc, and a former vice-chair of ASCE’s International Activities Committee moderated the

workshop.

The US State Department provided funding to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and

Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for capacity building activities in Afghanistan. The objective of

the UNESCO Fellowship program was to strengthen and support the engineering professional

societies in Afghanistan so they better represent the profession on matters with government

and industry. In accordance with this program two Fellowship participants, Ms. Dalia Akbarmir

and Professor Jamil Khalid, traveled from Afghanistan to the United States of America to meet

with officials of American professional organizations and universities. The participants are

professional members of the Society of Afghan Architects and Engineers (SAAE). They traveled

and visited the architectural and engineering institutes in the United States in 2012.

The ASCE has been involved in helping professionals in Iraq, Afghanistan, Tsunami, and

Engineers Without Borders. You may ask that why the ASCE is involved in the activities. The

http://www.asce.org/inside/appeal/

http://www.asce.org/inside/appeal/


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ASCE is prominently positioned as the leader of efforts to improve the quality of life for people

everywhere. The Society is firmly established as the leading organization in finding solutions to

the infrastructure, providing technical expertise in the face of disaster and battling corruption

and bribery around the world. The ASCE was founded in 1852 and represents more than

140,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide and is America's oldest national

engineering society. Currently ASCE membership consists of 10% worldwide and 90% from

within USA. The ASCE’s mission is to provide essential value to our members and partners,

advance civil engineering, and serve the public good. In carrying out that mission, ASCE:

Advances technology Encourages lifelong learning Promotes professionalism and the profession Develops civil engineer leaders Advocates infrastructure and environmental stewardship to protect the public health

and safety and improve the quality of life.

The intent of ASCE is to:

Serve its goals as 501(c)(3) organization of the Internal Revenue Code

Serves members

Engages Societies in relevant work

Provides broader visibility

Share and grow engineering Body of Knowledge among developed nations (mutual benefit) and with the developing world (to build capacity)

Grow and service international members

Sharing and growing the Body of Knowledge

The ASCE has provided engineering assistance during the disastrous flooding and devastation in

the Gulf Coast region and hurricanes in New Orleans. ASCE has an obligation and opportunity

to foster and support dialogue and information exchange among individuals and similar

engineering organizations around the world. One of those are the capacity building; a role

which ASCE, AAES (and WFEO and UNESCO) has undertaken to address the needs of the

developing world, where engineering can provide the foundation for building indigenous

capability and reduce the causes of instability and conflict while satisfying other society

objectives.

The following are the possible services that could be offered by ASCE and SAE:

1. Advisory and site missions Small teams of experts would visit countries to review with counterparts specific

issues related to engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and


25

operation, asset management. Workshops and short training programs would

be normally carried out during these visits.

2. Executive Exchanges Exchanges could involve visits by senior officials from target countries and the US

companies. The exchanges would be wide-ranging and provide opportunities for

visiting Executives to discuss key issues, meet with key US Executives,

government agencies and other private and public organizations.

3. Internships:

Government officials and others spend limited amounts of time, two weeks to

several months at US companies, government agencies and public and private

organizations to learn more directly and intensely about one or more particular

topics.

4. Seminars and Conferences:

These larger, sometimes regional meetings would bring together not only local

engineering, cooperating agencies and organizations, but other experts, donor

organizations and financing institutions.

5. Training Courses:

In cooperation with USAID mission, local engineering group, government officials;

ASCE could work with SAE select individuals to attend specific industry or

professional training programs in the US or elsewhere.

6. Loan Executives:

Executives to be loaned to ASCE or to a project for the purposes of managing a

special program or providing specialized management expertise on a cost effective

and timely basis.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Mr. Abdullah Nadi’s Question: Mr. Nadi asked Mr. Sanio if it will be possible to visit him at his office and discuss the possibilities of working with ASCE to find out how to energize Afghan natural resources. Mr. Sanio’s response: I am keen to work with SAE to discuss the needs of

Afghanistan.


26

2. Mr. Abdul Manan Khalid’s question: What will be your advice for an organization like SAE to attract new members and sustain its current membership? Mr. Sanio’s response: I wish I had a simple response to your question. The SAE is

not the only organization facing such issues. ASCE is constantly struggling with

the issue of the membership growth and there is no straight forward solution to

this.

3. Dr. S. Keshawarz’s question: What our members should do in the development of the infrastructure policies? Mr. Sanio’s response: The SAE should develop polices and get involved in the

implementation of those policies. In this regard I will give you two examples

from ASCE leader and past President Mr. William P. Henry, P.E., F.ASCE. He has

mentioned that ASCE should promote stronger Code of Ethics and majority has

agreed to it. The Code of Ethics should include zero tolerance for corruption in

design and construction. The ASCE past President Bill Henry emphasized to other

engineering societies the importance of signing an Engineer’s Charter should

combat corruption in engineering and construction.

The second example is about policies related to sustainability. The ASCE defines

sustainability as a set of environmental, economic and social conditions in which

all of society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its

quality of life indefinitely without degrading the quantity, quality or availability

of natural, economic, and social resources. The ASCE code of ethics is revised

every three years based on discussions and needed changes to ensure that it

paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply

with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their

professional duties. Engineers shall continue their professional development

throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional

development of the remaining natural resources.

4. Dr. Zarjan Baha’s Question: Can ASCE establish a Section and Group in Afghanistan so that they will get involved in helping Afghanistan in a professional capacity?

Mr. Sanio’s response: Yes, ASCE can assist.

At the end of session, once again, the SAE President thanked Mr. Sanio for his participation

in the SAE General Assembly teleconference and for his valuable presentation.

http://content.asce.org/global/principles/Charter.html

http://content.asce.org/global/principles/Charter.html


27

The SAE Financial Report

The following SAE financial report was presented by Atiq Panjshiri, Vice President.

The Account Balance as of 12/31/2012 = $ 11,706.83

Income in 2013

Membership Renewal fee for 2012 = $ 300.00

Donations = $ 460.00

Membership renewal fee for 2013 = $ 1,140.00

Total Income in 2013 = $1,900.00

Expense

PO Box Renewal for one year 2014 = $124.00

Balance on December 31, 2013 = $13,212.23

MEMBERSHIP FEE 2013

The Society of Afghan Engineers

Date Member's Name Fee Paid Donation Total Payment Year

1/19/2013 Said Maqsod Mosmer 60 50 110

1/19/2013 Zarjan Baha 60 40 100

1/19/2013 Ghulam Mujtaba 60 50 110

1/19/2013 Atiq Panjshiri 60 40 100

1/21/2013 Abdul M. Khalid 60 0 60

1/21/2013 M. N. Poya 60 40 100 2012

1/21/2013 M. N. Poya 60 40 100 2013


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1/22/2013 Yar M. Ebadi 60 40 100

1/23/2013 Moheb Argand 60 0 60

1/24/2013 Amanullah Mommandi 60 40 100

1/28/2013 Wahid Enayat 60 0 60

1/22/2013 Mohammad Keshawarz 60 0 60 2012

1/22/2013 Mohammad H. Rayeq 60 40 100

1/31/2013 Najim Azadzoi 60 0 60 2012

1/31/2013 Najim Azadzoi 60 0 60 2013

1/25/2013 Mohammad Qaseem Naimi 60 0 60

4/9/2013 Wahed Hassani 60 0 60

4/9/2013 Farid Kazi 60 0 60 2012

4/9/2013 Farid Kazi 60 0 60 2013

1/22/2013 Mohammad Keshawarz 60 0 60 2013

8/12/2013 Hafizullah Wardak 60 40 100

12/27/2013 Abdul N. Babacarkhail 60 0 60 2012

12/27/2013 Abdul N. Babacarkhail 60 0 60 2013

12/21/2013 Stephen C. Rossi 60 40 100 2013

Local Chapter and Committee/Subcommittee reports

The following are the list of the Local Chapter Coordinators and their reports. Committees, subcommittees, and their officers:

Local Chapter Coordinators

Canada ……………………………………………….. M. Q. Naimi Colorado………………………………………………. A. Mommandi Massachusetts……………………………………… M.N. Azadzoi N. California………………………. …………………. M. N. Najib Poya


29

New York/New Jersey ………………………… A. M. Khalid Ohio…………………………………………………… S. Sargand S. California ………………………………………… M. Q. Kadir Virginia/Washington DC…………………….. A. Panjshiri

Reports of Local Chapter Coordinators

The Colorado and Virginia/Washington DC Chapters reported their 2013 activities. The remaining chapters did not have any report for the general assembly. The following the reports of the Local Chapters:

A. Colorado Chapter

Mr. Mommandi, the Colorado Chapter Coordinator, presented the following regarding

Colorado’s activities.

Note: For readers’ clarity, the materials presented during the meetings are expanded to include

details about StreamStats program, M & S Standard Plans, and a few other items.

The following are the highlights of the activities of the Colorado Chapter during 2013:

1. Mr. Mommandi submitted a joint proposal with the Denver Office of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan to develop a StreamStats program for Afghanistan. StreamStats is a Web-based Geographical Information System (GIS) program that provides users with access to an assortment of analytical tools that are useful for the following: Water-resource planning and management

Engineering design applications, such as the design of bridges and culverts.

Drainage-basin characteristics for use –selected sites on streams

StreamStats assumes natural flow conditions at the site.

StreamStats will be a very useful tool for teaching Hydrology courses at Universities,

the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Rural Development and any other

agencies dealing with water.

StreamStats can calculate drainage basin size, mean basin slope, mean annual

precipitation, percentage of basin located above certain elevation, and stream

profile and basin cross-sections.

StreamStats can calculate peak flows for 2-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, 50-year,

100-year, 200-year, and 500-year return frequencies.


30

Mr. Mommandi worked with USGS from 2006-2009 to complete StreamStats for Colorado and

presented StreamStats to the staff of the Ministry of Public Works and the Faculty of

Engineering of Kabul University in May/June of 2011.

2. Mr. Mommandi provided a report entitled the “Salang Tunnel, The Next Fifty Years” prepared by US AID Afghanistan in 2012, to the Colorado Department of Transportation for review and comments. This review is part of a Technical Cooperation Memorandum between the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Ministry of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that was signed in 2012.

3. Mr. Mommandi sent a hard copy of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) new Minor Structures and Safety (M&S) Standard Plans.

The Standard Plans include but are not limited to the detailed design, qualities and to-

scale drawings for the following roadway items: approach roads, ditch types, supper-

elevation for crowned and divided highways, excavation and backfill for structures and

bridges, temporary erosion control, mail box support, concert pavement joints,

structural plate pipe H-20 loading, detail design including rebar and quantities for Single,

Double, and Triple Concrete Box Culverts, the Head and Wing walls for Pipes and

Culverts, Minimum and Maximum allowable cover over metal, concrete pipe and

concrete box culverts, Type R, C, D and other types of concrete inlets and Manhole

details for Storm Drain Systems, subsurface drains, different types of guardrails, wire

and chain link fences, curbs and gutters, roadway lighting, rumble strips, embankment

protectors, inverted siphons, field laboratory building plan sheets, survey monuments,

ground signs, flashing beacon and sign installations, traffic control for highway

construction, pavement marking and concrete pipes.

4. Mr. Mommandi sent a hard copy of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction to Mr. Mohammad Nawandish, Mayor of Kabul. This document includes Bidding Requirements and Conditions, Award and Execution of Contracts, Scope of Work, Control of Work, Control of Material, Measurements and Payments, Earthwork, Pavement, Structures, Materials Detail, and Miscellaneous Constructions requirements.

5. Related to Capacity building of young Afghan Engineers, Mr. Mommandi performed the following activities: (a) Facilitated the signing of a Teaming Agreement between Mr. Mohmand, the

president of Lutfullah Mohmand Construction Company (LMCC), an Afghan


31

consulting, engineering and contracting company, and Hydrau-Tech Inc., a Colorado based engineering company.

(b) Facilitated a meeting between Mr. Mohmand, President of LMCC and Colorado State University (CSU).

6. Mr. Mommandi sent a mineral identification book, as per an E-mail request from a young Afghan geologist requesting such a book.

7. Mr. Mommandi developed and maintains the directory of Afghans who reside in Colorado. This is an extremely valuable tool in keeping Afghans of all generations connected.

Discussion: Mr. Hasan Nouri, a former professor of Kabul University, mentioned that he sent an email to Mr. Nawandish regarding the Kabul River but had not yet received a response. He asked Mr. Momandi for Mr.Nawandish’s updated address so that he could send his proposal.

B. Virginia/Washington D.C. Chapter

Mr. Atiq Panjshiri, the Local Chapter Coordinator, reported that the members of the

Virginia/Washington D.C. Local Chapter held their chapter meeting at the conference room of

the Sanie Consulting Group, LLC, in Fairfax Virginia prior to the Annual SAE General

Assembly. Currently they are also participating in the teleconference from the same location.

Mr. Panjshiri mentioned that during their local chapter meeting the Chapter members discussed

the need future development activities of the local Chapter. After brainstorming ideas, it was

decided that as a first step, there is need for preparation of the guidelines/procedure for the Local

Chapter activities. A committee has been formed to prepare the guidelines in accordance with the

requirements of the SAE Bylaws and submit it to the Board of Director for review and approval.

Reports of Committee/Subcommittee Leaders

The following are the list of the Committees, subcommittees, and their officers:

The Committee Leaders of the Society of Afghan Engineers

Executive Committee

President: Ghulam Mujtaba Vice President: Atiq Panjshiri Treasurer: Jawad Ibrahim Secretary: Luis Durani

Corporation Committee


32

Chairperson: Sohaila S. Shekib Vice Chairperson: Yaqub Munir

Membership Committee

Chairman: M. Saber Sarwary Manager: Naim Shahab

Communication and Public Information Committee Chairperson: Samay Stanackzai Board Counselor: M. Saleh Keshawarz Member: Mehdi Sabet

SAE Electronic Newsletter Subcommittee

Chairperson and Editor-in Chief: Ghulam Mujtaba: Board Counselor and Editor: Abdul Manan Khalid: Editor: Abdul Wahed Hassani Editor: Mohammad Mirwais Editor: Daod Mohammad

Public Relations Subcommittee

Chairperson: Nazeer Babakarkhial Board Counselor: M. Hashim Rayek

Technical Affairs Committee

Chairperson: Hasan Nouri Board Counselors: A.H. Farid Kazi M. Nagib Poya

Environmental Engineering Subcommittee

Volunteers are needed to serve as the Subcommittee leaders. Board Counselor: Abdul Saboor Rahim

Architectural Subcommittee

Chairperson: Najim Azadzoi Vice Chairperson: Mehdi Sabet

Building Code Subcommittee

Chairperson: Najim Azadzoi Vice Chairperson: TBD Board Counselor: A. Manan Khalid

SAE/AGA Liaison Subcommittee

Chairperson: Atiq Panjshiri Vice Chairperson: A. Hadi Rakin Board Counselor: M. Hashim Rayek

Agricultural Subcommittee

Chairperson: Abdul Karim Yusufzai Vice Chairperson: TBD Board Counselor: Amanullah Mommandi


33

Water Resources Subcommittee

Chairperson: Abdul Karim Yusufzai Board Counselor: Amanullah Mommandi Board Counselor: M. Hashim Rayek

City Planning Subcommittee Chairperson: Najim Azadzoi Vice Chairperson: Mehdi Sabet

Website Development and Maintenance Subcommittee

Chairperson: Abdul Saboor Rahim Board Counselor: Amanullah Mommandi Board Counselor: M. Q Kadir Board Counselor: Y. M. Ebadi

Student Subcommittee

Chairperson: TBD Board Counselor: Y. M. Ebadi

Advisory Subcommittee


Capacity Building and Academic Development Subcommittee


Materials Specifications and Test Methods Subcommittee

Chairperson: S. M. Sargand Board Counselor: Amanullah Mommandi

Vacant Positions for the Committees/Subcommittees:

Finance Committee Conference and Training Subcommittee Publications Subcommittee Roadway and Bridge Design and Specifications Subcommittee Environmental Engineering Subcommittee Afghan Professional Regulations Subcommittee


34

The Activity Reports of the

Committee/Subcommittee Leaders:

The Membership Committee; Technical Affairs Committee; SAE Electronic Newsletter Subcommittee; and Website Development and Maintenance Subcommittee reported their activities as follows:

A. Membership Committee Report

By M. S. Sarwary, P.E., Chairman of the Membership Committee

Mr. Sarwary mentioned that he does not have any increase in membership number this year.

He proposed the following recommendations regarding the membership:

The SAE should study the possibilities to get members more involved and active. The SAE newsletter is great, but, need to find more ways to get members involved in SAE activities.

A membership certificate will be designed by Membership Committee and upon its approval by the Board of Directors it will be sent to new members along with their welcome letter. He indicated that some members also requested to have membership ID card.

President’s Response to Suggestion: He concurred with Chairman Sarwary’s suggestions and

indicated that the current Society officers should find ways to make the members more active.

He asked Mr. Sarwary to send the proposed design of the certificate to the Board of Directors

for review.

B. Technical Affairs Committee

By: Professor Hasan Nouri, Chairman of the Technical Affairs Committee

Professor Nouri indicated that he is preparing a report about Darunta Dam. It is his understanding that reconstruction work has been done. Unfortunately, he has not been able to find such information. He is currently performing literature review and hoping to find out about the reconstruction activities of that project. Upon the receipt of the required information, he will submit an article about the dam for publication in the SAE eNewsletter. D. Z. Baha mentioned that Professor Soor Gul Wardak may know that who he should contact in the Ministry of Water and Energy for such information. He responded that Dr. Wardak does


35

not have the required information. He has asked Dr. Azam Azimi to help him in his literature review. He was working with USAID and may find the information through USAID.

Professor Nouri mentioned about a symposium that he attended. He indicated that his

participation was not related to the SAE’s Technical Affairs Committee. It is for information

only. He added that that the Unity and Freedom Movement of Afghanistan (UaFMoA) held a

peace symposium in Washington D.C. area in September 2013. He was the moderator of one of

the sessions of that symposium. Currently the UaFMoA is planning to have a similar symposium

in Germany in February or in Washington D.C. in March.

C. SAE e-NEWSLETTER-

By Abdul Manan Khalid, P.E., P.E., LEED AP (BD+C)- Member SAE eNewsletter Editorial Board

Dear Colleagues:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, greetings to all of you.

I want to provide you a brief report about an electronic publication of the Society of Afghan

Engineers, called SAE eNewsletter. The first issue of the newsletter was published in January

2011.

The SAE eNewsletter is a quarterly publication and it is published every three months. The

newsletter publication guidelines and polices were approved by the Board of Directors on

November 10, 2010. The guidelines describe the SAE eNewsletter’s publication policies;

including its contents, format, style and responsibilities of the Editorial Board.

The preparation and publication of the newsletter is performed by Editorial Board Members

and Regional Representatives, including representative from Afghanistan, under the guidance

of Ustad Ghulam Mujtaba Khan, Editor-In-Chief. The newsletter editorial board has successfully

published 13 issues of the newsletter. The contents of the newsletter sometimes have

exceeded more than 40 pages. The general contents of the newsletter include the following

topics:

The description of the brief activities of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Interview with successful countrymen within and outside the country.

Technical and nonpolitical articles.

Brief description and case histories of the projects.


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Book reviews.

News about promotions, appointments, and awards of the countrymen, especially those who live outside Afghanistan.

News about new members and other miscellaneous topics.

It should be noted that each article, interview, and other papers submitted by the learned

authors and other interested colleagues for publication is reviewed by the editorial board for its

contents and appropriateness. The review comments and recommended modifications are

sent back to the authors for the preparation of final revision. After the necessary revision, the

document is approved publication.

The following are the future vision:

1- The editorial board wishes that with your help the newsletter to be replaced with a professional journal like the magazine of the American Society of Civil Engineers and there should be possibility of its publication in a book format.

2- The other change would be the consideration of including advertisements related to the companies and markets as part of the contents of the publication of the SAE eNewsletter. This will be a source of income for the newsletter.

It is my personal recommendation that discussions should be held by newsletter editorial board

and Board of Directors to ascertain a minimal fee for the subscribers of the newsletter.

At the end of my talk, I should mention that preparation of the SAE eNewsletter is a team work,

but the tireless effort and leadership of Ustad Mohtaram in the preparation and organization of

the contents of the newsletter is extraordinary. On behalf of the members I thank and wish him

healthy life and success for continuation of excellent work.

Thanks for your attention.

The Editor in Chief’s response: He thanked Mr. Khalid for his kind words about him and

indicated that the success of the newsletter is the results of the efforts of the team, including,

Editorial Board, Regional Representatives, the authors, and other contributors. The credit goes

to all who have contributed to the developmental activities of the newsletter. Thanks to all

efforts and devotion. He mentioned that currently the newsletter has been distributed to SAE

members and other interested colleagues. The Editor-In-Chief added that Mr. Najim Azadzoi in

one of his email to him has asked him that he would like to post the newsletter at the Faculty of

Engineering’s face book. It has over 600 members from Afghanistan and throughout the world.

https://us-mg205.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.partner=sbc&.rand=bijk1tfpfuf07


37

The Editor-In-Chief has responded to him that currently the newsletter is a public document.

Under current SAE policy, there is no problem posting it. It will be great that more colleagues

read the SAE eNewsletter.

Mr. Qsem Kadir mentioned that he will discuss the membership fee and the newsletter

subscription fee issues during the Board of Directors meeting. During the discussion he added

that additional subscription fee for the SAE eNewsletter will have its benefit of improving

financial income of the Society, but, its negative side is that some members will question the

benefit of their membership and what benefit SAE will offer to them. Further challenge will be

how to collect the fees, and what if a member print the SAE eNews Letter and distribute it to

other interested professionals.

D. SAE/AGA Liaison Subcommittee

By Mr. Atiq Panjshiri Chairman of the SAE/AGA Liaison Subcommittee Mr. Panshiri mentioned that he received a request from Mr. Nawandesh, Kabul Mayor who has indicated that the Municipality needs a Design Engineer. Ustad Mujtaba found the applicant and asked him to send his application. The applicant sent his application and has not received any response.

E. Website Development and Maintenance Subcommittee

By Dr. Abdul Saboor Rahim Chairman of the Website Development Subcommittee Dr. Rahim reported that the Subcommittee is responsible for the review of the contents of the website. No work has been done in this regard because the site is inactive. At this time the Mr. Panjshiri and Mr. Kadir are working with a website developer to reactivate the website. Mr. Kadir indicated that he is in contact with the company and hoping to make the website active very soon. He will talk with the website hosting Company representatives on Tuesday or Wednesday for their action.


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Discussions, Questions, and Answers

1. Suggestion by Mr. Mr. Mommandi, SAE Board Member

Mr. Mommandi mentioned that he is currently in the Washington, D.C. area to attend the

93rd Annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) Meeting. He was in the Washington D.C.

area from Saturday, January 11to Saturday January 18, 2014 among more than 12, 000

transportation professionals from around the world attending this meeting.

The TRB Annual Meeting program was developed by the 200-plus standing committees in

TRB’S Technical Activities Division. More than 5, 200 papers were sent for consideration.

There were almost 800 sessions and workshops on all aspects of transportation, 450

presentations, 195 poster sessions, 500 committee meetings and 135 workshops. This

year’s spotlight was, “Celebrating Our Legacy, Anticipating Our Future.”

Mr. Mommandi found the meetings, presentations and committee participation very

useful and recommends that the Afghan government consider sending its transportation

professionals to attend these meetings and presentations for educational and informative

purposes. Additionally, being in contact with other professionals from around the word

and exchange technical ideas and research findings with each other can be a valuable

networking opportunity.

Mr. Mommandi also attended the Tunnels and Underground Structure Committee

meeting. During the meeting, the attendees recommended expanding their membership

to outside of the US. Mr. Mommandi informed the committee members that he will be

glad to convey this message to Minister Aoudjan, The Minister of Public Works of the

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The suggestion was well received by the meeting

attendees.

Mr. Mommandi recommends that the Ministry of Public Works initiates becoming a

member of this technical committee. The knowledge gained from this committee will be

extremely useful for the management of the Salang Tunnel.

SAE President’s Response- It is great idea and a valuable suggestion. Mr. Mommandi will

provide the details about the meeting if Afghan government decides to participate in TRB

meetings.

The President added that there is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International and the Afghan National


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Standardization Authority (ANSA). In accordance with MoU, ASTM has provided a

complete set of its 12,000 standards to ANSA for its use in developing Afghan national

standards and also has given the right for any expert with a materials interest to

participate on any of ASTM International’s technical committees free of charge. This is a

great opportunity for Afghan professionals and university academicians to use the ASTM

standards for development of Afghan Standards and participate in the ASTM committee

activities.

2. Mr. Aminullah Mahmood’s Question

Mr. A. Mahmood formed professor of Kabul University asked about the translation and implementation of the IBC code in Afghanistan.

Mr. Poya responded that he has translated six chapter of the code and sent them to the President of the Polytechnic University. He mentioned that Mr. Abdullah Nadi and Mrs. Parwin Surabi’s names in their efforts regarding this process. Mr. Poya indicated that as the Chairman of the taskforce group, he would like to take this opportunity to thank the SAE Salang Emergency Repair Taskforce members, Mr. Mujtaba, M. Rakin, Mr. Mommandi, Mrs. Belqis Majboor, and Mr. Manan Khald for their efforts in the preparation of the specification and design of the emergency repair of Salang Tunnel pavement repair that Minister Aoudjan mentioned in his speech. It is an honor to receive such acknowledgment from Minister Aoudjan for the work that SAE has done. SAE President’s Response- He responded to Mr. Mahmood’s question that Mr. Malik Mortaza and his company have been involved in the training activities of the University professors. We can get an update from him regarding the status of the code translation and implementation. Also, he thanked Mr. Poya for his efforts in the translation of the code and for his leadership of Salang Road Emergency Repair taskforce.

3. Dr. Abdul S. Rahim’s Suggestion

Dr. Abdul Saboor Rahim, former professor of Kbaul University, is serving as the Board Counselor of the SAE environmental Subcommittee. He mentioned that an environmental engineer is needed to serve as the Chairman of the committee. Any interested colleague should let us know.

4. Dr. S. Keshawarz’s report

Dr. S. Keshawarz reported that the first group of the students was graduated from Architecture Department of Herat University. Last week was their graduation ceremony. He will prepare a detailed report about the Heart Architecture Department and submit it for publication in the upcoming issue of the newsletter.


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5. Dr. Z. Baha’s Suggestion

SAE President indicated that upon Board of Directors’ concurrence, the next annual general assembly teleconference would be scheduled at 1:00 PM EDST on August 16, 2014. Dr. Z. Baha suggested that SAE should try to hold the meeting by Skype so that we could see each other during the conference. President responded that they will seek the possibility of using Skype.

Closing Remarks

BY: Ghulam Mujtaba, P.E., CPM; SAE President

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the attendees of the teleconference, especially

those who participated from Afghanistan at this late time of the evening, Afghanistan time.

Thanks to Minister Aoudjan for valuable speech and Mr. Michael Sanio for being a keynote

speaker. Thanks to the colleagues who presented their Local Chapter and

Committee/Subcommittee activity reports.

Please advise us by email or telephone if you have any suggestion for the development of your

Society.

With that said; I adjourn the teleconference.

Teleconference adjournment

The teleconference adjourned at 4:06 PM EST (Virginia Time).

SAE eNEWSLETTER - Society of Afghan Engineers

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