Photo By Pfc. Evan Loyd | Assum Abed, the local contractor responsible for the refurbishment of the Ishtar...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, assisted in the reopening of the Ishtar Water and Electric Substation during a ceremony, Dec. 7, following an extensive renovation paid for by coalition forces CERP funds.
The Soldiers have helped numerous Iraqi communities since their arrival to Iraq in April 2008; but the town of Ishtar, a mere five minutes away from Combat Outpost Cashe in the Mada'in Qada, southeast of Baghdad, had received only general help with no specific reconstruction project directed specifically for the people of the town.
"They are our close neighbors but this is the first time that we have had a chance to do something just for them," said 2nd Lt. Brian Callahan, from San Diego, Calif., the team leader of the Civil Affairs Team 33, 1-35 AR. "Before this project, the villagers used to be indifferent to us; but now, they are happy to see us and thankful for our help."
Before the substation was refurbished, the local Iraqis had only sporadic power and had water shipped in from outside sources.
"We solved the two big problems of water and electricity in the town of Ishtar," said Fadil Mottleck, the assistant chairman of the Jisr Diyala Council. "This should be considered great progress in Ishtar's steps toward recovery."
Despite the $166,000 project being paid for by coalition forces funds, one of the biggest contributors to getting the substation up and running was Assum Abed, the contractor who oversaw the entire project and lives in Ishtar.
"He went above and beyond the scope of the work," said Sgt. Christopher Nishio, from San Diego, the team sergeant of Civil Affairs Team 33. "I think he took extra pride in his work since he was working for his community's water and electric supplies."
Although his original contract was only for the electrical substation, Abed notified the civil affairs team that work needed to be done on the water substation that is co-located in the same complex while working on the electrical system.
"The pipes were rusty and in disrepair, and there were no pumps whatsoever," said Callahan. "Thanks to Mr. Abed, all the pipes are new and there are two pumps pushing water to the town."
Abed has gone above and beyond the simple work of making the two substations work. Where once the two stations where unprotected from the elements, they now have roofs that do not leak, sturdy new walls and even cement walkways connecting the two substations. To top everything off, Abed gave everything a good wash and a fresh coat of paint.
"I am really happy and excited for my village. We now have running water and electricity that works," said Abed. "I would like to thank the Coalition Forces for their support in funding this project, and I look forward to working with them again in any future projects."
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2008 11:18 |
| Story ID: | 27459 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 224 |
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