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    DAC meeting sets priorities for Sadr City reconstruction

    DAC meeting sets priorities for Sadr City reconstruction

    Photo By Sgt. Philip Klein | Representatives of the government of Iraq and the Sadr City District Advisory Council,...... read more read more

    By Sgt. Philip Klein
    3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

    BAGHDAD – Members of the government of Iraq and the Sadr City District Advisory Council met to discuss plans for reconstruction and revitalization in the impoverished Baghdad District of Sadr City, July 15.

    In attendance were members of the Sadr City Council, representatives from the government of Iraq, Iraqi national police officials, local community leaders and 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad leadership.

    On the agenda for the meeting were jobs, security, reconstruction and essential services, and the progress of these projects.

    The meeting was organized by Ali Sewadi, the acting chairman of the DAC, who requested representatives of the government of Iraq to report on the progress of reconstruction efforts, electricity, health and security concerns.

    Sewadi said he welcomed the representatives of the government and the Baladiya, and stressed the importance of quick action due to improved security thanks to the IA and friendly forces. In addition he reminded the government of its pledge of $100 million to be used in Sadr City and to not waste an important opportunity.

    The DAC was a defunct organization until the Iraqi army established a presence in Sadr City, and even after a deadly bombing, June 24, the local leaders are determined to make a difference for their community with the opportunity of renewed security.

    Lt. Col. Peter Pierce, the human terrain team leader, who advises the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division leadership on cultural and political issues said that it was to the credit of Ali Sewadi to get all of the government agencies together on his own.

    "It is a step in the right direction, and it is important for the local elected leaders of Sadr City to step up and get the GOI to do its part," said Pierce.

    During the meeting Sewadi presented Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., with a petition to Baghdad requesting limited coalition forces presence north of the t-wall barrier for engineers, and civil affairs personnel. The petition was signed by more than 90 members of the 107 member council, in order to hasten reconstruction efforts.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.15.2008
    Date Posted: 07.18.2008 14:45
    Story ID: 21624
    Location: BAGHDAD, IQ

    Web Views: 104
    Downloads: 29

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