FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070207-06
Feb. 7, 2007

Multi-National Division - North PAO

BAQUBAH, Iraq -The Provincial Government and coalition forces are working earnestly to improve the way of life for the people of Diyala through reconstruction efforts focused on the needs of the citizens throughout the province.

"We have big plans for the people of Diyala," said Gov. Ra'ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tanimi, governor of Diyala, during a previous press conference. "There are lots of projects being worked ... to improve the health, school and education, electricity, water and housing."

The Provincial Government continues to identify new projects based on the needs of the residents and is prepared to commit to improve living conditions across the province, said Ra'ad.

In addition to the Iraqi Government projects, coalition forces are focusing efforts on projects, totaling over $213 million, which are currently underway throughout Diyala.

To date, 20 coalition-led projects have been completed in the province since the start of the Fiscal Year , including five electrical projects by the Government of Iraq and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to improve the reliability of power for the people of Diyala.

"The coalition projects are planned, assessed and executed based on the goal of the Diyala Provincial leadership. They have a better situational awareness of what is needed by their people and we support the efforts of the Government, as we do their Security Forces," said Col. David W. Sutherland, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander and senior U.S. Army officer in the Diyala province.

The projects, which began as early as April 2005, include a $31.2 million rehabilitation and expansion of a 400kV/132kV substation and five feeders designed to improve reliability of power for over 63,000 residents in the Buhriz and Muqdadiya regions of Diyala.

Of the 141 projects, 38 reconstruction projects will be near completion within the next two months. The projects, when complete, will provide more reliable water and electricity, improvised irrigation, improved sanitation, heightened security and road improvements.

"All of the projects are done in a holistic view as systems of systems, as well as the employment opportunities for the local population. They are linked to security because the people are able to get better services while having an impact on the economy, and in the long run, this assists in defeating the terrorists that do not want to allow the people to modernize," Sutherland said.

The Provincial Government is also working hand-in-hand with the 5th Iraqi Army Division to repair damage caused by indiscriminate terrorist attacks, or from collateral damage resulting from offensive operations.

Anti-Iraqi forces will continue to attempt to slow the progress of these projects and, at times, even attack or damage completed projects, said Ra'ad.

"This is slowing us, but it has not stopped us," he added.

"We want to complete these projects, but I need [the people's] help to make the security situation better," Ra'ad said. "I ask our people to help rebuild this province."


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - NORTH AT:
TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: Diyala, Good News, Iraq, reconstruction, US Army Corps of Engineers