By Aaron Thacker
Multi-National Division - Southeast
BASRA – Provincial government officials and coalition partners laid the first batch of cement for a new bridge crossing the Shatt al Arab River in Basra, Feb. 7.
The new At Tannumah Bridge will link Downtown Basra with its eastern neighborhood of At Tannumah.
"This will open a huge gate into the economy of Basra," said Sayeed Najem Mutarif, the Provincial Council Community Reconstruction chairman. "It will help increase trade into Basra and all of Iraq."
In addition to Mutarif, on hand for the ceremony was Basra Governor Mohamad El Wa'eli , Multi-National Division - Southeast Commander Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon, various Basra city officials, U.S. Military civil affairs representatives, Baghdad government officials, senior officers from Iraqi police and army, local residents and members of the Iraqi press.
"Every time I pass the old bridges, it hurts me to see them in the state they are in," said Wa'eli. "A country like Iraq with its capabilities deserves more. This bridge provides a great opportunity for everyone here in Basra."
Currently there are two dilapidated, single-lane pontoon bridges crossing the river. The new bridge will increase the amount of residential and commercial traffic, boosting the local economy.
The Iraqi-engineered bridge, which is scheduled to be completed next year, has increased safety features. Iraqi based Ibn Majid Construction is expected to employ nearly 1,000 people to complete the $11.6 million project. A section of the bridge has been designed to rise in the middle to permit shipping access to Al Maqil Port, enabling future investment in the area.
"Life in the future doesn't happen by accident," Salmon said. "It happens because people join together and then decide they are really going to work for the future. That is exactly what is needed for the future of Basra."
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2009 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 29773 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 170 |
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