Photo By Spc. Maurice Galloway | Lt. Gen. Muhammad Jawad Hawaydi, Basrah Operations Center commander and Col. Steven...... read more read more
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRAH, Iraq – Col. Steven Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander and Lt. Gen. Muhammad Jawad Hawaydi, Basrah Operations Center commander, held a conference with the tribal leaders of several districts in Basrah province to discuss issues throughout the communities.
"We addressed multiple issues across Basrah province thanks to the suggestions and feedback that we've received from the Shaykhs. However, what concerns me is the lack of voice that the Shaykhs have with the Provincial Government," said Bullimore.
Upon the arrival of the 17th Fires Brigade to Basrah province, Bullimore met with the local tribal leaders to establish a working relationship.
"After each of our meetings with the Shaykhs, I listened to the suggestions and concerns of the Shaykhs and conveyed them to the Iraqi Provincial Government. Every project that has been funded by the U.S. was ultimately approved by the Iraqi Government, so it's critical that we connect the Shaykhs with the government," Bullimore said.
During the meeting, the Shaykhs brought up the quality of work provided by certain contractors.
"We have noticed that some of the projects are being sub-contracted, allowing the original contractor to pay someone else a lower fee to complete the project while retaining a substantial amount of the original contract price," said Shaykh Sbieh Al Kramshy.
Kramshy added that the quality of the work was not reflecting the amount of money spent.
Muhammad replied, "I have faced issues of corrupt contractors before and one of the things that helped me justify the removal of that contractor from obtaining future contracts was the Shaykh constantly providing me with specific evidence of the fraudulent practices."
"Col. Bullimore and I need each of you to monitor the progress of these projects in your areas and inform us if the work is not being completed to standard," he added.
Bullimore closed the meeting by addressing his most pressing concern.
"Each of you represents the men, women and children in your respective districts. As U.S. Forces drawdown here in Basrah, we must ensure that you have a prominent voice with the Provincial Government so that the needs of the people can be heard and met," said Bullimore.
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2010 04:08 |
| Story ID: | 48558 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 279 |
| Downloads: | 264 |
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