التحديث االسبوعى لمشاريع اعمار العراق

Reporting progress and good news تقارير عن تطور الحدث واالخبار الجيدة 11.28.05

Construction is 88% complete on the$97.9 million Khor Az Zubair Power Plantin the Al Basrah Governorate. Theelectrical generation project began in Dec.2004 and will be complete late next month. Two new turbine generator units were installed at the power plant which was built in 1977. Each unitwill add 123 mega watts to the Iraqi national electrical grid. The project will almost double the past output.

Project Close UpProject Close Up……BAGHDAD, Iraq – Asphalt is broken up and removed by hand in preparation for the digging of a power cable trench in Greatte, Baghdad. The cable will connect two new substations, helping bring power to approximately 2,500 to 3,000 local homes. (Photo: Jenna Bisenius)

Construction finishes on the $29,000 Al Hussain School Renovation project that will benefit about 450 Iraqi school children in the Diwaniyah District, Qadisiyah Governorate. The renovation includes classrooms, repair/replacement of the electrical system, ceiling fans, terrazzo tile, windows and screens and a new bathroom. An average of 25 Iraqis worked on this project.

- Ninewa Road Segment: Project Complete

- Khor Az Zubair Power Plant Nearing Completion

Page 2 Tal 'Afar Residents Reap Reconstruction Benefits Small Village gets Safe, Reliable Electricity

Page 3 Latest Project NumbersPage 4 Sector Overview: Current Status/ImpactPage 5 Spotlight on Design-Build Contractors

Soldier Voices: What’s Being SaidPage 6 Series: Reconstruction HistoryPage 7 Spotlight on Coalition Partners: JapanPage 8 Multi-National Force Snapshot

Rice Inaugurates the First PRT Page 9 Iraq’s Khor Az Zubayr Port Opens Vital DocksPage 10 Kirkuk Leaders Sign $8.1 Million in Water Contracts

Rusafa Water Plant ExpansionPage 11 Power Cable Brings More Electricity to Baghdad

Photo Montage: Al Tahadi Water Treatment PlantPage 12 DoD Reconstruction Partnership

Weekly Update Contacts

The Weekly Update supplements the accomplishments found on both the Army Corps of Engineers-Gulf Region Division and the Iraq Project & Contracting Office websites. For more information, please visit http://www.grd.usace.army.mil and http://www.rebuilding-iraq.net .

Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

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Inside this Issue

Video Download- Al Hussain School Renovation: Project Complete

Progress Dispatches

Work is complete on the Ninewa Road Segment 6 project that will provide villagers a better access route to the markets in largertowns. The $2.3 million project near Sinjar, Ninewa Province, paved approximately 23km of unimproved roads through level and rolling terrain in rural Sinjar village. These village roads which lead to the main road out of Sinjar are used daily by the local population. In the Ninewa Governorate, there are 17 Transportation & Communication projects programmed, 14 of which are complete. - Biometric Access System Will Provide Positive ID

A $206,000 biometric identification access system in Camp Fallujah, in Al Fallujah, Al-Anbar Governorate is being completed. The project started in October and will be finished next month. The foundation work has been completed and the trailers were set in place on Nov. 15. The facility will house four trailers and once operational, will accomplish fingerprinting, retinal scans, and sophisticated photography. A central database will provide positive identification for all who access the base.

See the first in a series of reconstruction programs produced by the Pentagon Channel. (NOTE: Contains three Iraq reconstruction stories.)http://www.rebuilding-iraq.net

Notable Quotes "Getting the word out about reconstruction is just as important as getting the job done itself.”General George Casey, commander, Multi National Forces-Iraq, July 2005

Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Tal 'Afar Residents Reap Reconstruction benefits – Mayor: “The situation…is good.”

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Small Village Gets Safe, Reliable Electricity Story and Photo by Maj. Russ Goemaere2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

Kadhem said he needs electricity for a refrigerator, air conditioning unit, television, fans and lights.

Electricity in his area is on for three hours and off for three, but he sees no reason to have an additional power source. The Al Betoul project is an innovative project for the Iraqi government. In east Baghdad, it was normal for homeowners to build a home without first considering hook-ups to city water, sewer or power. Al Betoul is now a community where poles and wires are in place for future residents to connect to.

“A lot of people want to build on the empty lots because they know this area has power and will soon have water as well,” Kadhem said.

“I used to string phone cable over existing power lines to get power for my family. It was very unsafe. Now we have safe power hookups for all our homes.”

“I used to string phone cable over existing power lines to get power for my family. It was very unsafe. Now we have safe power hookups for all our homes.”

Story & Photo by Polli KellerGulf Region North U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

MOSUL, Iraq - Despite 30 years of neglect and a costly insurgency, Tal‘Afar’s infrastructure is rebounding. Now that the city is secure, its residents will benefit as the economy is growing and Iraqi leadership is ready to rebuild the municipal infrastructure. The rebuilding process is having a positive impact on the lives of its residents, supporting the emergence of democracy, and establishing the foundation for a strong economy.

The Tal ‘Afar City Council and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working together to rebuild Tal ‘Afar. The process will include repairing water systems, and removing debris and rubble, as well as improving the electrical infrastructure of the city.Repairs also will be made to local health facilities, educational facilities, communication systems, and sewage methods. “The police are now working well and security in the city is stable. Police stations are open and four more are in the works for neighborhoods known to have been unstable, such as Al Wahda and Sa’ad, to keep the insurgents from coming back,” said the Tal ‘Afar police chief. “The police are now working well and security in the city is stable.

As such, the Iraqi government’s role has shifted from security operations to one of humanitarian efforts by offering food, water, and medical care for the people of the city. The leadership also formed a committee that will provide compensation to families that suffered casualties. A visible sign that the Tall ‘Afar district has stabilized is that vendors are operating and residents are conducting business as usual. Fruits and vegetable carts line the streets. Storefront doorways are open and residents - arms laden with new purchases - bustle from store to store, as they support the local economy.

The mayor of Tal ‘Afar, Muhammed Najim, held a press conference on October 26, to provide an update on the city’s progress. “The situation in Tal ‘Afar is good. Schools have opened their gates to receive students and the government facilities continue to work regularly.

Tal Afar vendor selling goods.

AL BETOUL, Iraq -- A project to bring safe electricity to current and future residents of Al Betoul, a small village east of Baghdad, is complete.

The project, started in November 2004, brought modern electrical connections to all 715 lots in the neighborhood. Along with the replacement of all the residential power cables, the installation of 20 large 250-kilovolt transformers, 475 poles, 42 250-amp circuit breakers and street lights rounded out the project.

“I am very happy with the completion of the project,” said Yasser Kadhem, a resident of the community.

“I used to string phone cable over existing power lines to get power for my family. It was very unsafe.Now we have safe power hookupsfor all our homes.”

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Projects at a Glance (As of: November 25, 2005)

Reconstruction Sector

Project Type # Under Construction*

# Completed*

Schools 22 774

Primary Health Care Centers 142 0

Hospital Projects 17 5

Public Buildings 0 4

Potable Water Projects 96 99

Sewer Projects 4 0

Fire Stations 30 59

Border Posts 105 118

Military Base Projects 47 42

Police Facilities 127 247

Railroad Stations 22 74

Village Roads 30 10

Ports Projects 3 2

Postal Facilities 1 23

Airport Projects (FAA certified ready) 8 4

Expressways 2 0

Distribution Projects (including Substations) 95 68

Transmission Projects 7 9

Power Generation Projects 5 14

Dedicated Power Plants 1 3Oil

Water Injection Pump Stations 0 8

Electricity

Transportation & Communication

Security & Justice

Public Works & Water

Health & Education

Iraq Reconstruction Weekly UpdateIraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Compiled by Katie Wall, PCO

•$6.639 billion has been disbursed, representing over 50% of total funds ( as of November 20, 2005 )•2,892 projects starts (out of 3,200 planned projects). This number includes 465 projects funded under the Accelerated Iraqi Reconstruction Program (AIRP)•2,005 projects are complete, including 398 that are funded under the AIRP

* Note: Does not include projects funded by the Development Fund for Iraq. Source: Multiple PCO Management Reports

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Sector Overview: Current Status – End State

Compiled By: John Daley, PCO

Sector Current Status End State

Electricity 1,176 MW 1,556 MW added (enough for 1.4 M homes)

Oil 2.2 Million Barrels Per Day (MBPD) produced

1.7 MBPD exports

3.0 MBPD produced

2.4 MBPD exports

Water & Sewer* Added 131,000 cubic meters per day of water treatment capacity

31,000 hectares of additional irrigated land

Additional 930,000 cubic meters per day of water treatment capacity

251,000 hectares of additional irrigated land

Health 142 primary healthcare centers under construction

Population of 5 to 6.5 million Iraqis served in completed primary healthcare centers

Education 774 schools providing classrooms for 300,000 students

800 schools providing classrooms for 320,000 students

Security & Justice

118 border forts completed 247 border forts will secure 2,400 KM of border

Transportation 127 Kilometers (KM) of improved village roads

Provided emergency response dispatch system (‘911’ service) covering 5.8 million citizens of Baghdad

424 KM of improved village roads158 KM of improved major roads

Provide emergency response dispatch system (‘911’ service) covering 12 million Iraqis in 15 cities

* Note: Water metrics include data from small water project programs.

As of: November 25, 2005 Source: Multiple PCO Management Reports

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Capacity Development: Spotlight on Design-Build ContractorsCompiled By: Sheryl LewisDirector, PCO Capacity Development

Capacity Development (CD) is one of the basic tools being used to transfer knowledge, skills, and abilities to the Iraqi workers at the various infrastructure facilities. Training at the facility level is carriedout through the use of 11 design-build contracts. In the water sector FluorAMEC, is building on its Water Conservation and Network Rehabilitation program to improve the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works (MMPW) management systems in five areas:

- water treatment plant optimization and rehabilitation- network map production for pipes and valves using GIS software- warehouse and inventory systems- fleet management systems- technical learning centers

The Tayarra Water Treatment Plant

Through FluorAmec’s water treatment plant optimization and rehabilitation program,Tayarra water treatment plant now operates at its design capacity for the firsttime since 1992. Activities undertaken by FluorAMEC to increase Tayarra’sprevious capacity of 25% include: rehabilitation of standby generators, allowing plants to run during national power grid outages; returning intake pumps to service; repairing chlorination systems; and repairing to Alum dosing systems.

Major Accomplishments:

Technical learning center’s in Najaf, Basrah, Erbil, and Nasiriyah have been refurbished and are in use by FluorAMEC. These centers provide MMPW staff with a comprehensive training program every two to three weeks followed up by on-site training at the utility. Eighty-four courses are currently being taught through the technical learning centers. Thirteen training courses on operation and maintenance are in progress.

Capacity Development PamphletCapacity development is central to the Iraq reconstruction effort and provides the first step in building a foundation for the transfer of control for completed facilities to Iraqi management.http://www.rebuilding-iraq.net

Soldier Voices: What’s being said about reconstruction“ I don’t think any of our projects were ever attacked by the insurgents, because I like to think the Iraqis felt they owned the projects. There are huge areas of Iraq that are secure enough that you could move your family there if you spoke Arabic, but those places never get any press.” Capt. James Cobb, Task Force 2-2

“Infrastructure improvements mean local jobs, which in turn, mean more buy-in from local residents…there are people who want to cause problems with anyone, but I don’t think anyone was ever dumb enough to mess with a water project or anything like that because they are messing with themselves…” Lt. Col. Peter Newell, Task Force 2-2 commander

Soldiers from Fort Sill Oklahoma, hand out over 700 bags of school supplies and over 700 bags of toys to Iraqi schoolchildren in Baghdad, Nov. 1, 2005. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

Source: Today’s Officer, Winter 2005 (MOAA)

IN THE NEWS -- Unit Level Assistance

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Reconstruction Series: A Comparative History of U.S. Reconstruction Efforts

Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

By Sherman FleekPCO Command Historian

[Editor’s Note: The U.S. reconstruction effort in Iraq is the most recent of many such experiences in our past. As a matter of historical background and reference, this article is the fifth in a continuing series which highlights past reconstruction missions.]

Japan

The Japanese mainland was not invaded by Allied forces, though cities and other military targets were heavily bombed, including the August 1945 atomic bombings. Regardless, Japan was severely damaged; Tokyo suffered 65% destruction; 9 million people in Japan were homeless—30% of the urban population. General Douglas MacArthur as Allied commander basically served as a one-man government head, using his military staff, and other US officials as needed. He completely won the hearts and minds of most of the Japanese people during his six years as military commander and governor.

Many Allied leaders and politicians believed that Japan would have extreme troubles evolving from a militarist and nearly feudal culture–a society with no democratic tradition–into a modern democracy. The status and preservation of the emperor as a symbolic institution was a huge issue for the Japanese, both the common people and those formerly in power. Yet, the surrender accords left this issue undecided. Later General MacArthurwisely realized the importance of maintaining this ancient institution and also not indicting the emperor to face war crimes as other military and political leaders. However, purging Japanese war militants and loyalists in the government was a major concern.

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Facts:

- The United States was the primary administrator and provider of funding in Japan reconstruction.

-There was no division of Japan into allied occupation zonesas in Germany, though the Soviet Union tried to occupysome northern islands.

- Military rations stockpiled for the invading forces, providedmuch of the food for the impoverished Japanese during thewinter of 1945-1946.

- From 1947-1949, more than $1 billion in food wasbudgeted through the military departments and appropriations through Congress.

-The Emperor of Japan and his role as a symbolic institutionin Japanese culture and history was preserved, but his power was curtailed and status as a divine entity ended.

- Japan adopted its new democratic constitution and became a sovereign nation again in 1952.

- Allied investigators reviewed some 2.5 million Japanese government officials, business leaders, and politicians but only 40,000, less than 2%, were expunged from power.

MacArthur and the Emperor. (Photo: National Archives)

MacArthur also urged and helped establish civil rights for women, labor organizations and separate political parties. Perhaps the single most important factor that restored and developed Japan’s economy was the business generated by the Korean War 1950-1953. This conflict also hastened Japan’s political independence.

A mother and children walking through rubble in post-war Japan. (Photo: National Archives)

Rice rationing lines persisted for several years after the surrender, since production of the staple food had been disturbed as a result of wartime activities. (Photo: OSU Library)

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Spotlight on Coalition Partners: Japan Overview

At the International Donors’ Conference on the Reconstruction of Iraq held in Madrid on Oct. 24, 2003, Japan announced a financial assistance package totaling up to $5 billion.

The package consists of:- $1.5 billion of grant aid for immediate needs through 2004- up to $3.5 billion, mainly in the form of soft loans (yen loans), in order to meet medium-termneeds during the period until approximately the end of 2007.

It is Japan’s policy to support the reconstruction of Iraq in parallel with the of Official Development Assistance agency and the humanitarian and reconstruction activities of the Self-Defense Forces.

Entitled: “For the Future of Iraq”, the text below and accompanying photos are from the Japan Self-Defense Force Web site.

“Rising from the ashes of World War II with the support and cooperation of many countries in the world, Japan has built today’s peace and prosperity as a technology country represented by its cars, information products and electronic consumer goods.

On the basis of our experience, we believe that reconstruction of a peaceful Iraq is necessary not only for the peace and stability of the entire Middle East region and the international community but also for the peace and prosperity of Japan itself. In cooperation with other countries, therefore, we plan to provide active assistance to Iraq with Japan Self-Defense Forces troops and civilians as well as with financial aid so Iraq can rebuild itself as soon as possible and its people can live in a free and prosperous society without concerns about their present or their future.

The activities of the Self-Defense Forces in Iraq will focus on humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and are designed solely to help the people of Iraq in their attempt to rebuild their own country.

For more than 10 years since 1992, the Self-Defense Forces have provided a variety of assistance to Cambodia, Zaire (the present Democratic Republic of the Congo), East Timor and many other countries, airlifting aid supplies, repairing and improving roads, transporting goods on the ground, supplying medical aid and preventing the outbreak and spread of diseases. We are convinced that these experiences will prove to be of valuable service in the reconstruction of Iraq.”

Instruction at the construction site of the Warkaa water purification plant.

Instruction at the construction site of the Warkaa water purification plant.

Ground Self-Defense Force members conducting the completion inspection at Al Amerand Al Raja nursing care facilities (Rumaythah)

Ground Self-Defense Force members conducting the completion inspection at Al Amerand Al Raja nursing care facilities (Rumaythah)

Ground Self-Defense Force members teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support procedures at Camp Samawah.

Ground Self-Defense Force members teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support procedures at Camp Samawah.

Construction site of the MutawakBridge. Construction site of the Mutawak

Bridge.

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Multi-National Force Snapshot

29 countries currently support Iraq stability operations

Albania

Armenia

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Denmark

El Salvador

Estonia

Georgia

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Latvia

Lithuania

Macedonia

Moldova

Mongolia

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

South Korea

Ukraine

UK

US

Source: State Dept. Iraq Weekly Status Report

Data as of October 28, 2005

Secretary of State Rice Inaugurates the First Provincial Reconstruction Team Story & Photo by By Polli KellerGulf Region NorthU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Secretary of State Rice addresses the first NinewaProvincial Reconstruction Team on Nov. 11, 2005.

MOSUL, Iraq - Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice made a surprise appearance at the inauguration of the Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). Rice established Iraq’s first Provincial Reconstruction Team on Veterans’ Day 2005, along with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad; Deputy Regional Coordinator, Clarence Hudson; and Director of the National Coordination Team, Greg Bates.

The ceremony took place on Forward Operating Base Courage located in Mosul, Iraq, one day after the NinewaPRT completed its initial training. This effort was lead by Bates and certified by Maj. Gen. Robert Heine, Iraqi Reconstruction Management Office Deputy Director for Operations.

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This ceremony inaugurated the first of fifteen PRTs that will deploy across Iraq by next summer; two more PRTs are being fielded in Nov. to demonstrate a “proof of principle” and provide lessons for further implementation. The remaining 12 PRTsand one Regional Reconstruction Team (RRT) are scheduled for implementation by July 2006.

The PRT is designed to lead the effort to build capability and sustainability within Iraq’s provincial governments, eventually allowing them to function independent of Coalition assistance. This transition to Iraqi leadership will be achieved by developing a transparent and sustained capability to govern, increasing security and assuring rule of law, promoting political and economic development, and by providing provincial administration necessary to meet the basic needs of the population.

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Iraq’s Khor Az Zubayr Port opens vital docksStory and Photo by Suzanne M. Fournier Gulf Region Southern DistrictU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

BASE CAMP ADDER(ALI BASE), Iraq -- The Basrah Province learned that the last of three sunken wrecks was successfully removed from the navigation channel at Khor Az Zubayr Port earlier this month.

The wreck removal news was announced to the Iraqi news media at the KhorAz Zubayr Port observation tower by Iraqi Minister of Ports Captain Hussan M. Abdallah and Mr. Razzak, advisor to the Minister of Transportation for Iraq. The three docks are used for import and export of fuel products, and the capability to moor three barges simultaneously at these three docks increases Iraq’s capacity to import and export fuel products—vital to Iraq’s economic prosperity.

Oil is one of Iraq’s major exports. However, importing fuel products such as kerosene, gasoline, diesel and LPG, will continue until Iraq refinery facilities are able to produce enough fuel products to meet consumption demands within the country. On hand to discuss what this means to Basrah province and to the future of Iraq imports and exports were port managers at the two major Iraqi ports, Khor Az Zubayr Port Manager, Mr. Basil and Umm Qasr South Port Manager, Capt. Harmad.

This latest $2 million wreck removal is the second effort to clear the Khor Az Zubayr Port. An earlier $5.7 million contract raised four wrecks and removed over 3 million cubic meters of dredged material from the navigation channels at docks 9, 10, and 11.

While dredging the docks to get an 11-meter channel depth, the three recently raised, wrecks were discovered in the soft sediment bottom blocking dock 10 and obstructing passage to docks 9 and 11. The removal of all seven wrecks was reported by Chris Frabotta, construction representative for the US Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Southern District, speaking to the Iraqi news media in front of three recently removed wrecks.

Without the 11-meter depth, a fuel barge can only navigate into this area of the port during high-tide water depth of 13.5 meters (41 feet). While unloading, the barge sits on the soft sediment bottom, as the tide recedes to a depth of 7 meters (23 feet). The barge is stranded at the dock until the next high tide.

The Iraqi Port Authority can now resume their annual maintenance dredging at docks 9, 10 and 11 at Khor AzZubayr Port to achieve 11-meter (36-feet) depth without the risk of damage to their equipment from the sunken wrecks.

Kathye Johnson, deputy director, Project Contracting Office, spoke to the news media about the United States assistance in helping Iraq restore vital transportation networks to ensure the future of Iraq’s stability and economic prosperity.

The two Khor Az Zubayr Port contracts were accomplished by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southern District using Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Funds.

Iraqi Minister of Ports Captain Hussan M.Abdallah speaks to the news media.

The capability to moor three barges simultaneously…increases Iraq’s capacity to import and export fuel products—vital to Iraq’s economic prosperity.

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

Kirkuk Leaders Sign $8.1 Million in Water Infrastructure Improvement Contracts

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By Capt. Monte Hibbert116th BCT Public Affairs

KIRKUK, Iraq -- Kirkuk government, business and coalition leaders gathered at the Kirkuk Government Building last month to celebrate contracting $8.1 million in water infrastructure improvement projects, a move expected to increase Kirkuk City water capacity more than 13 times and provide potable water to another 25,000 people in the rural western portion of the province.

Contracts signed at the celebration included improvements to the DibbisHigh-lift Pump Station and construction of a water system for Sin Al Thebban, a rural area near Hawijah, Iraq.

“Today’s event marked the signing of the top two projects on a list of many approved water improvement projects in Kirkuk Province,” said Lt. Col. Steve Knutzen, the 116th Brigade Combat Team officer facilitating economic development in the area. According to Knutzen, the Sin Al Thebban project will bring drinking water to 25,000 people and the Dibbis High-lift Pump Station project will increase water flow to Kirkuk City from 2 million gallons per day (MGD) to 28 MGD.The contacts were signed by the contractor representatives, Kirkuk Governor AbdulrhamanMustafa, Kirkuk Director General of Water Abdul Hadar Hassan and Kirkuk Provincial Council Chairman Rizgar Ali.

Working to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Kirkuk by helping improve basic services is one way the 116th BCT is helping Iraqi citizens as they establish the foundations of the new Iraq. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

The expansion included more than 42,000 cubic meters of earthwork and more than 23,000 cubic meters of concrete, and 4,800 meters of piping, as well as seven pump machines which Mazin said are an integral part of the purification process.

“These pools (of water) surrounded by concrete are from the Tigris River, where it undergoes the first steps of purification,” Mazin said. “The second step of purification uses the seven pump machines, where it will be put in the large pools where they will add chlorine and other products of sterilization before it is pumped into pipe networks. From there, it heads for the Al-Rusafa district.”

The expansion project also benefited local citizens by employing 700 Iraqi laborers during construction.

Rusafa Plant Expansion Brings Iraqis Clean WaterStory & Photo by Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Task Force Baghdad PAO

The project employed over 700 workers.

Signing the $8.1 million contract. (US Army Photo)

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The expansion of a water treatment plant in the Al-Rusafa region has brought thousands of gallons of fresh, clean water into residents’ homes since the 18-month project was completed in mid-July.

The Shark Dijlah Water Treatment Plant project included installation of more pipes, the extension of a pump housing area, and installation of more filters.

The expansion has increased the plant’s output to about 80 million gallons of water a day -- enough to supply water to about 2 million citizens, said Mr. Mazin, chairman of the provincial council and government representative of the expansion project. Mazin said it is the Iraqi government’s duty to look out for its citizens, and this project is just one way to do that.

The treatment plant was originally built in 1935, according to a project fact sheet.

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Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

New Power Cable Helps Brings More Electricity to Northern BaghdadStory & Photo by Jenna BiseniusIraq Project & Contracting Office

BAGHAD, Iraq- Greatte residents in the northern Baghdad district of Adhamiyah will soon be the recipients of more reliable electricity, due in part to the installation of two and a half miles of underground power cable. The cable will connect two new substations, helping bring power to approximately 2,500 to 3,000 local homes.

Started in July 2005, the power cable project is currently expected to be finished this month once testing is complete. The $1.4 million project is being overseen by the Project & Contracting Office’s (PCO) Electricity Sector, with quality control by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Regional Division.

Approximately 100 Iraqi workers per day were employed during the active phase of the project. Power cable work was done by hand, from the digging of the trench and laying of cable to the sidewalk restoration above the cables.

The underground cable will take 33,000 volts of power from one substation to another, where it will be converted down to 11,000 volts. From there, the power will be fed to a distribution network of poles, cables and overhead lines supplying electricity to homes and businesses.

In total, the PCO Electrical Sector is responsible for 434 projects valued at approximately $3.2 billion. To date, the Electricity Sector has completed more than 80 projects totaling an estimated $660 million. The majority of 352 remaining Electricity Sector projects are scheduled for completion by December 2006.

Photo Montage: The Al Tahadi Water Treatment PlantPhotos by Norris Jones, GRD

Power cable is carefully measured by an Iraqi laborer to ensure proper spacing and avoid overheating of cables.

An Iraqi company is constructing the $958,000 Al Tahadi water treatment plant which, when finished, will have the capacity to produce up to 400,000 liters per hour and will benefit 60,000 residents of Al Fallujah. The plant is located in the city’s southwest quadrant along the Euphrates River. Construction started in April 2005, and the project is 75 percent finished. About 15 Iraqis are working at the site. The work includes installing intake cribs, generators, filtration and chlorination systems, pumps, piping and building and perimeter security wall. The plant is designed and located to provide water from the Euphrates River to the underdeveloped southern sectors of the city. It will benefit 60,000 residents of Al Fallujah.

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Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ALT) https://webportal.saalt.army.mil/main/aae.htmAssistant Secretary: The Honorable Claude M. Bolton, Jr.Principal Deputy to the ASA (ALT)/Director of Iraq Reconstruction and Program Management: Mr. Dean Popps

Iraq Project & Contracting Officehttp://www.rebuilding-iraq.netDirector- Baghdad: Mr. Hugh ExtonDirector-Washington: Mr. James M. Crum

US Army Corps of Engineers - Gulf Region Divisionhttp://www.grd.usace.army.mil/index.htmlCommanding General: Brig. Gen. William H. McCoy, Jr.

Joint Contracting Command – Iraq/AfghanistanJCC-IA provides responsive operational contracting support to the Chief of Mission and Multi-National Corps - Iraq to efficiently acquire vital supplies, services and construction in support of the Coalition Forces and the relief and reconstruction of Iraq. Commander: Maj. Gen. John Urias

Office of the Assistant Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Policy and Procurement), IraqDASA(P&P)-I provides the necessary administrative and contracting support to the Chief of Mission, Project and Contracting Office, Multi-National Forces, and supports the humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and security of Iraq.ADASA(P&P)-I: Mr. Lee Thompson

Baghdad Kabul

Weekly Update Contacts

PCO Strategic Communications Director Merriam Mashatt, (703) 696-7325Managing Editor/Senior Writer Ron Eschmann, (703) 696-5158 GRD/PCO (Baghdad) Public Affairs Erich Langer, (703) 544-6431Weekly Update Editor Andy Curtin, (703) 696-7503Weekly Update Production Manager/Writer Katie Wall, (703) 696-1679

Metrics John Daley, (703) 696-5144

The Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update is compiled and published by the Project and Contracting Office, Office of Strategic

Communications. PCO is aligned under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

A Reconstruction Partnership

For further U. S. Government reconstruction information:

U.S. Agency for International Development: http://www.usaid.gov/iraqU.S. Department of Commerce: http://www.export.gov/iraqU.S. Embassy in Iraq: http://iraq.usembassy.gov

Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update

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