Posted on 12/13/2008 8:49:58 AM PST by SandRat
Basrah, Iraq — Hundreds of Iraqis in al-Tanoma city in east Basra will soon have access to a modern sports club where they can host and watch sporting events. The project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is designed to provide a safe haven for youth to play, practice and develop their skills.
“The rehabilitation work for the four decades old facility is an important step to meeting the needs of Basra’s next generation of athletes,” said Lateef Khlaf, the sports club administrator. “As you know, the Iraqi people love sports like soccer and basketball. They will be very pleased with the new changes taking place here.” He pointed out that currently about 750 Iraqis have memberships at the facility. “It will showcase local sports in Tanoma and its 240,000 residents.”
The $300,000 project includes renovating existing facilities with electrical, mechanical and civil repairs, installing a rubberized surface on the existing playing court, building new sun shades, a boundary wall, two locker rooms, showers, and two restrooms.
Iraqi engineer Ali with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says this project started in September 2008 and is 45 percent complete. It is having a significant impact on the local economy, by employing 30 Iraqi local workers a day. In addition, materials for the project are purchased from local Basra merchants. USACE is helping to jump start Iraq’s economy and building a strong foundation for the country’s success, he said.
“Currently, we are installing the presidential seating area, public seating area and a meeting hall,” Ali noted. “When we’re done, it will be a signature facility Basra families can take pride in.”
Nice!
I had a friend who was at Basra when it was wild and unsafe - and reading this just amazes me since I thought this would be an area where it would be so difficult for the US and multinational forces to make any inroads!! YAY for our Military!
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