Multi-National Division Baghdad

Courtesy Story

By the Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – More than 130,000 residents of Kamaliyah have a more sanitary way to remove sewage from their homes and streets with the official opening of an extensive sewer system, Sept. 3, 2008.

Local leaders, Iraqi contractors, national police officers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, currently attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, combined their efforts to bring the sewer system to the people.

The project took about four years to complete and faced many problems along the way, said Maj. Robert Culberson, officer in charge of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers resident office on Forward Operating Base Loyalty.

"This is a major success," he said, claiming that the sewer system will benefit more than 130,000 residents in Fedaliyah.

The system, which is capable of funneling 1.3 million gallons of waste a day, includes 14 pumping station and encompasses 100 kilometers of piping.

"This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for the people of Kamaliyah," said Capt. Jonathan Bender, commander for Company D, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Regt.

The system allows residents to live healthier lives, because it separates waste from the water table, explained Bender. Historically, there have been many health issues, including cholera and tuberculosis, in Kamaliyah because of the lack of a sewer system, he said.

Reactions to the project have been quite positive, said Derek Mitchell, an engineer working with the USACE. The people are proud and excited about the completion of the sewer system.

Kamaliyah residents can expect even more improvements in the future, like paved roads and micro-power generator projects, said Col. Mark Dewhurst, brigade commander for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division – Baghdad during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

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