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Reconstruction improves Tarmiyah infrastructure

Sep-19-2008 » Filed Under: 2/25 SBCT

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Reconstruction projects are underway to return essential services like schools, potable water, sewers and banks, to the region of Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad.

“The bottom line is that increased capacity is what every Iraqi needs right now,” said 1st Lt. Eric Peterson, platoon leader assigned to Company A,1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “Their infrastructure ha0s decayed a little bit because of conflict over the years, so we’re trying to counteract those effects by really getting into these reconstruction projects as heavy and as hard as we can to give them this capacity.”

A major focus has been placed on completing education buildings first.

“We have 17 school projects going on right now,” he said. So we’re hustling right now to finish up the school projects, then we’ll get more involved with services like water, electricity and sewage.”

Reconstruction funding is provided through the Iraqi Commanders Emergency Relief Program. Using this program allows the local government to get money for projects quickly and efficiently. It also allows them to help in the planning process, hire local contractors and mitigate corruption. Coalition forces gather weekly with local government officials to ensure everyone is on the same sheet of music and ensure the project is going smoothly, Peterson said.

“The people are very happy about the projects,” said Jassim. “This year, we’ve had a lot of projects which have helped us very much. Coalition forces and the (Government of Iraq) have enabled us to give our people jobs, and a decrease in terrorism shows the people are backing the projects. God willing, our city will continue to improve.”


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