Bountyhunters, Iraqi Security Forces kick start sanitation program in Sab al Bour

Courtesy Photo | The Sab al Bour City Surface Developer explains to a market owner his obligation while maintaining the government of Iraq issued trash can outside of his establishment in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, Jan. 13. Soldiers from Troop B "Bountyhunter," 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, "Strykehorse," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along with Iraqi police from the Sab al Bour IP station assisted local sanitation workers with the distribution of trash cans along two of the busiest markets streets.  

IRAQ

01.14.2009

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

JOINT SECURITY STATION SAB AL BOUR, Iraq – Cleaning up the streets of Sab al Bour is a priority for the city.

To help get that mission done, Soldiers from Troop B "Bountyhunter," 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment "Strykehorse," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, along with Iraqi police from the Sab al Bour IP station assisted local sanitation workers with the distribution of trash cans along two of the busiest markets streets in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, Jan. 13 - 14.

A total of 500 trash cans were signed over from the local city officials to individual shop owners during the two-day span.

"I am proud of this," said Iraq police Pvt. Majeed, an IP assigned to the Sab al Bour IP station. "I live here and am so very proud of our clean streets."

Since the trash cans are the property of the government of Iraq, shop owners were briefed extensively on their responsibilities. Shop owners were required to sign for the cans from both city officials and the Bountyhunter Troop. Additionally, they would also be held liable for any damage or theft.

Store owners agreed to place the cans outside of their establishments during the day and secure them indoors at night thus mitigating the risk of damage or theft.

The cans, which are color coded by district, represent the first step in the implementation of the new Sab al Bour Sanitation program, which includes scheduled days for trash pickup by the city's five new garbage trucks.

"Sab al Bour has become a very successful city and cleaning up the streets will only make it better," said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Chavez, a native of Atlanta, who serves as a platoon sergeant for Bountyhunter Troop. "By the second day we could already see a noticeable improvement."

It is these small things that drastically improve the quality of life for the residents in the city.

"Life in Sab al Bour is improving every day," said Capt. Dan Digati, a native of Medford Ore., who serves as the Bountyhunter Troop commander. "The people of Sab al Bour understand that we [ISF and CF] are here to help improve their quality of life and create a better future. The relationship Troop B has with the entire population is remarkable."

More trash cans will continue to be distributed to other areas of the city over the next few days.

• Date Taken: 01.14.2009
• Date Posted: 01.15.2009 11:36
• Story ID: 28878
• Location: IQ