Baghdad Island resort key focus to revitalization efforts in Adhamiyah: Important recreation area targeted by Government of Iraq

Photo By Sgt. Philip Klein | One of several swimming pools that are in need of renovation at the Baghdad resort area, Baghdad Island, Aug. 9, 2008. The important convention and recreation area is undergoing reconstruction and repair efforts by the Ministry of Tourism.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.11.2008

Story by Sgt. Philip Klein 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Sgt. Philip Klein
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Baghdad Island recreation center, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Soldiers with the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, met at this important resort area in northern Baghdad to assess the needs of the area and plans to get it operational, Aug. 9, 2008.

Baghdad Island is considered the biggest tourism project in Iraq, but since 2003 the park has been neglected and needs considerable work to bring it back to a serviceable condition. The Ministry of Tourism has earmarked approximately eight billion Iraqi Dinar (roughly $8 million) to renovate the park and for new construction.

Nassir Ghanim, the Ministry of Tourism representative tasked with the reconstruction and revitalization efforts, said the ministry has contracts in place to repair and renovate the restaurants, streets and lights in the resort area.

In addition to renovation efforts, Nassir outlined some of the plans for the recreation area which include a world-class amusement park as a long term project.

"This is a major contract and we want this amusement park to be as good as anything in the world and to be a major regional attraction as well as a source for jobs and tourism revenue," said Nassir.

Nassir said that with these goals in mind, the government of Iraq is looking for experienced contractors who have built and operated this level of resort before.

The Ministry of Tourism is hoping to open the park in stages, opening the park to the public as soon as possible while major renovation and construction continues.

"The Island will bring jobs to the area as well as provide a recreation area for the people of Iraq," said Nassir.

The GOI plans to bring the private sector into the renovation process to encourage innovation and competition with the goal of making the park a unique and special place for the people of Iraq.

Maj. Jeff Farris, the chief of operations for civil military affairs for the 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, said that coalition forces are initially concerned with power and water issues at the park.

"Along with cleanup and landscaping work that needs to be done, an initial work that is being carried out by Capt. Bryan Brown, (the civil affairs officer for 1st CAB, 68th AR, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B), is getting generators and pumps up to help revitalize the green space here on the island," said Farris, who calls Sarasota, Fla., home.

The Ministry of Tourism has taken the lead in renovating the park, while MND-B's role as facilitators is to step in when the government needs assistance with project aspects it can't currently handle effectively.

"There is a lot of work in progress here and the U.S. needs to enable the Iraqi government and help with the economic impact Baghdad Island can provide for all of Baghdad," said Farris.

Nassir has a long relationship with the recreation area. His first job when he graduated engineering school was at the park.

"I grew up professionally here at Baghdad Island and it has always been my passion," said Nassir. "I have a good feeling that things are going to get done right this time. A lot has been accomplished in the last three months and I believe the future of this area is bright and that will benefit the people of Baghdad."

• Date Taken: 08.11.2008
• Date Posted: 08.11.2008 02:54
• Story ID: 22339
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ