Courtesy Photo | Local Sadr City contractors work on refurbishing theThatt Al Salasel School, located...... read more read more
By Raymond McNulty
926th Engineers Brigade Public Affairs Office
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – When bells ring for a return to schools throughout the Sadr City district of Baghdad later this month, students at 38 schools throughout the area that were renovated by Multi-National Division – Baghdad are in for a big surprise.
Following the end of hostilities in Baghdad's most densely populated district, nearly all the 38 schools located in Task Force Gold's operational environment were selected for repair and refurbishment by the Soldiers of the 926th Engineer Brigade.
"The youth of Sadr City represent the future," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, the commander of the 926th Eng. Bde., in speaking about the importance of the project. "They are the next chapter in the story of hope for a new Baghdad and Iraq."
The intent of the project is to create safe, secure environments conducive to learning, said Talley.
The schools were each identified as those negatively impacted by Jaysh al Mahdi militia and special group criminal cells throughout the conflict with coalition forces and the Iraqi army, said Talley. The projects were recommended by the MND-B command group and the District and Neighborhood Advisor Councils.
Academic repair and reconstruction projects typically concentrate on interior and exterior walls, doors and window trim, as well as the repair of floor and ceiling tiles, plumbing and electrical systems. Other critical upgrades include perimeter wall repair, grounds clearing, landscaping, and back-up power generation.
The Task Force Gold Sadr City Academic Reconstruction Program was accelerated for completion before the beginning of the academic year for both primary and secondary schools. It is valued at approximately $10.2 million, said Talley, which is approximately 20 percent of the total allocation for Sadr City assistance and reconstruction. The majority of projects are funded by the Commander's Emergency Response Program, which are provided by Congress.
By the first week of September, Task Force Gold had scoped, budgeted, funded, contracted and supervised work at 30 schools, said Col. Jared Olsen, the commander of Task Force Gold and the deputy commanding officer for the 926th Eng. Bde. Work on eight additional schools is now in progress. All school repair and renovation work is done by local Sadr City contractors, which marks a significant boost to the district's economy.
"Renovating schools in OE Gold provides improved facilities to enable better education for young Iraqis," said Olsen. "Coalition forces operating in OE GOLD are proud to contribute bricks and mortar school projects to the youth and families of Sadr City."
Task Force Gold, in partnership with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is leading the successful reconstruction of Sadr City – building peace through progress.
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2008 03:50 |
| Story ID: | 23228 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 238 |
| Downloads: | 232 |
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