Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Groce | SAMARRA, Iraq - Capt. Stephen Lavelle, Commander of the Rakkasan's Alpha Company, 3rd...... read more read more
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PFC Cassandra Groce
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SAMARRA, Iraq (January 9, 2006) -- Rakkasan Soldiers and the Director of the Ministry of Water in Samarra, Iraq, have found a solution to increasing concerns over the water level of the Tigris River.
The meeting between the director, Kareem Hassan, and Coalition Forces commanders was arranged by Maj. Roger Stark, team leader for Bravo Company, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion tasked to the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment in Samarra.
"The Tigris pumps up to 60,000 cubic meters of water depending on rain," said Stark. "The Iraqi water workers regulate the flow, redirecting the excess to Lake Thar Thar for irrigation purposes."
Until recently, the dams did not need monitoring because the wet season in Iraq had not started. Now, with rain consistently falling, problems with the dam have been pouring in.
"The flooding would be a concern for all Iraq," said Hassan. "Not just Samarra, or Bayji, or Tikrit."
Barges that sank in the Tigris, or float around unmanned since the rains began, are another issue of concern. The loose barges could potentially be sucked into the hydroelectric dam's pull, damaging the equipment.
Silt and dirt fall into the river, building up mud along the bottom of the river. This decreases the amount of water actually traveling through the dam. The barges dredge up the mud, increasing the water flow.
"Right now, the dam is only operating at 60% [due to the silt build up]," said Stark.
The water produces electricity that is transferred to a national grid, supplying electricity country wide. Without it, there would be widespread electrical problems.
The monitoring needed at the dam would require 24-hour access to the bridge. Curfews around the city, initiated because of security concerns with Anti-Iraqi Forces, prevent the 24-hour access.
Another issue included fears of an AIF attack on the bridge. An agreement was reached outlining the procedures for workers, which includes updated ID badges, call ahead procedures and documentation for the checkpoints.
Coalition Forces can provide a general "overview" of security from patrol bases at each end of the bridge but Iraqi Security Forces have the primary job of securing their own citizens.
"This was exactly what I wanted," said Hassan at the conclusion of the meeting. "The arrangement is just for both sides."
The meeting concluded with the commanders of the patrol bases and Hassan signing papers agreeing to the contract.
The arrangement made it possible for Iraqis to check on water levels as well as dredge up the river bottom, preventing electrical issues. It also ensures security for the Iraqis, the bridge and Coalition Forces. But most importantly, brings the Iraqi people one step closer to becoming self reliant in their new democracy.
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2006 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 5105 |
| Location: | SAMARRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 413 |
| Downloads: | 145 |
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