VIPs visit Zuwarijat

Photo By Sgt. Daniel West | A muqtar of the Zuwarijat District of al-Kut, Iraq, gestures to make a point during a meeting between Iraqi and coalition officials and dignitaries of Zuwarijat, May 21.  

AL KUT, IRAQ

05.23.2008

Story by Sgt. Daniel West 

354th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Daniel T. West
214th Fires Brigade

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Iraqi security forces and government leaders, along with coalition representatives met with prominent citizens of the Zuwarijat District of al-Kut, Iraq, May 21, to discuss security and reconstruction of the district in a town-hall forum.

Last month, ISF established joint security sites in Zuwarijat. This move brought security to a formerly-lawless area and paved the way for the government of Iraq, in cooperation with coalition forces to restore essential services to the district.

"The first priority is to work on medical facilities and schools in the district and to restore essential services," said Maj. Gen. Hannin al-Ameer, Wasit provincial director of police during his opening remarks.

"First, though, we have to enforce the law in Zuwarijat," he said. "We can bring services back when the criminals are out.

"Please cooperate with the Iraqi security forces and the Americans so we can bring safety back to Zuwarijat," he asked the people. "We have worked together to begin restoring security. Now is the time to build."

For a long time, this community was ignored, but this changed thanks to the bravery of IA and Iraqi Police, said Col. Peter Baker, 214th Fires Brigade commander.

"We will move forward with reconstruction in partnership with you," he said. "We only ask that you help us maintain security. We depend on you, the people, to be part of the solution. We require security for our projects. There is a lot we can accomplish, but we need help."

When the floor opened for questions, leaders mentioned the main concern was restoring essential services.

"We have nothing," said one muqtar. "It seems like no one lives here. We lack water, electricity and medical care."

Security must come first, before reconstruction can begin, al-Ameer cautioned.

Baker said a water treatment project is scheduled to begin next month. It will not provide for all, but it is the first step in that direction. The facility will provide 4,200 liters of clean water for the district, and will require asphalt streets and other improvements in the area. That project should be completed in four months.

"It is important to have this discussion with these [director generals] here," Baker said. "With them on board, we will be able to accomplish a lot."

Other attending Iraqi leaders included deputy governor for technical affairs Sabih Lafteh, Iraqi army Col. Abed and directors general for various services in Wasit. Coalition representatives included Col. Peter Baker, coalition forces in Wasit, representatives of Wasit provincial reconstruction team and members of both police and military training teams.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2008
• Date Posted: 05.23.2008 17:27
• Story ID: 19756
• Location: AL KUT, IQ