Deputy prime minister brings support to Mosul and Ninewa province

Photo By Maj. Amanda Emmens-Rossi | An audience with Ninewa Province Director Generals, local area community leaders and local press listens as Deputy Prime Minister Rafi Hiyad al-Issawi reveals what reconstruction efforts have been approved by the central government at a press conference at Provincial Hall in Mosul, Oct. 20, 2008.  

MOSUL, IRAQ

10.29.2008

Story by Maj. Amanda Emmens-Rossi 

11th Public Affairs Detachment

By Maj. Amanda Emmens-Rossi
11th Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq - Deputy Prime Minister Rafi Hiyad al-Issawi visited Mosul and conducted a press conference at Provincial Hall, where he announced some reconstruction initiatives that have already been approved by the central government for Mosul and Ninewa province, Oct. 20, 2008.

DPM al-Issawi focused on agricultural initiatives, announcing that the central government had "written a check for 2 billion Iraqi dinar" to Ninewa province to help offset agricultural losses over the last two years due to drought and other conditions. DPM al-Issawi stated the payment was designed to cover nearly 450 claims of loss by Ninewa farmers.

There were other agricultural initiatives that included a 100 percent increase in funding for seed purchase from 10 billion Iraqi dinar to 20 billion, reduction of interest loans to farmers from 2 percent to zero percent, and the announcement of 116 open positions within the provincial agricultural department that would be filled by contracts of qualified personnel.

DPM al-Issawi thanked Lt. Gen. Riyadh, commander of the Ninewa Operations Center in Mosul, who committed to relocating Iraqi security force personnel who are currently occupying a grain silo needed for proper grain storage.

DPM al-Issawi said that 4,000 garbage containers would be purchased for the city of Mosul. DPM al-Issawi stressed the need for security so that reconstruction efforts could continue saying "we have to work on rebuilding Mosul".

He restated his commitment to the people of the city of Mosul and Ninewa at large and said, "My office is ready to meet with anyone to solve the problems."

• Date Taken: 10.29.2008
• Date Posted: 10.29.2008 14:38
• Story ID: 25693
• Location: MOSUL, IQ