Iraqi government funds canal cleaning

Courtesy Photo | A contractor works on cleaning the Ruwiyah canal.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

05.19.2008

Courtesy Story

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By 2nd Lt. Joshua Fink

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN, Iraq – The government of Iraq is currently funding a canal-cleaning project in the Jurf as Sakhr and Ruwiyah areas, approximately 55 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Before the project began, the canal was congested with reeds, mud and trash. Unable to flow freely throughout the area, the stagnant water was a health hazard, said Sgt. 1st Class Chad Touchet, a platoon sergeant with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

The canal connects to the Euphrates River and is a major source of water for citizens living in Jurf as Sakhr and Ruwiyah. Residents depend heavily on this source of water to support agriculture throughout the area, said the native of Abbeville, La. Once the canal is clean, water will be more accessible even further away from the river.

"Hopefully this project will allow for an enhanced crop harvest season," Touchet said, adding more productive crops will greatly boost the economy as a major source of income.

Saad Abeed, from Musayyib, is the contractor for this project. His crew began cleaning the canal May 8, and it may take up to 22 days to complete. In the meantime, Touchet said, residents are pleased to see progress made on the project.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2008
• Date Posted: 05.19.2008 20:49
• Story ID: 19604
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ