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After Tal Afar battle, a city comes to life

Sep-27-2005 » Filed Under: TF Freedom

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (September 27, 2005) – Over a five day period more than 600 young men stood in line to volunteer for the Tal Afar police force. Two hundred twenty-four of those men were recruited and will attend police training. Within the next two months more than 800 Iraqi policemen will be on the Tal Afar police force operating out of six new or renovated police stations. This is an increase of more than 450 new policemen over the current force.

The Iraqi government has pledged $50 million of aid and improvements for the city of Tal Afar. The funds will directly affect the water and electricity situation in the city. Schools, government buildings, roads and parks have also been identified for construction or renovation.

Upgrades to the existing city water system top the list of the priorities. Installing new residential piping and building a new water tower and lift station for the southwest side of the city and a complete overhaul of the city’s electrical system has been planned. An initial $735 thousand has been allocated for these repairs.

Transformers, cable, circuit breakers, and power poles have already been purchased, and two electrical lift trucks will be delivered by the end of September to assist in the electrical repairs. Already a large amount of electrical equipment was delivered to the city early last week.

More than $800 thousand has been allocated to the schools in Tal Afar. Patching and painting over the damages caused by terrorists, repairs to electric and water systems in the restrooms is all underway. Students will be welcomed back to school with the gift of new furniture as well.

A drive to employ civilians to help clean up the city is already underway and showing great success. Not only is there measurable change in the cleanliness of the city, but the employment program has brought a modest boost to the local economy.

Food shipments from the Ministry of the Interior and Iraq’s neighbors to the north have provided the people of Tal Afar and surrounding communities with more than two hundred tons of basic foodstuffs.

Compensation to civilians who have been affected by the recent fighting in Tal Afar are also being paid. More than 500 claims have been processed since Sep.19, paying out more than $175 thousand.

Life is returning to the city of Tal Afar now that fear is lifted from the people. Iraqi security forces including the police from Mosul and the Iraqi Army are partnered with Multi-National Forces to bring permanent security to the center of the city and prevent the terrorists from returning.


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