Posted on 07/28/2009 5:35:33 PM PDT by SandRat

BAGHDAD — The effort to restore essential services in Baghdad has seen a significant increase as security improves throughout the Iraqi capital. One example of this is the competition of a major sewer network project for the residents of Karkh.
"I was pleased to see this sewage project in our area," said Mobarak, Salhiyah neighborhood council chairman. "We have not seen a project like this occur in our area in over 15 years."
The project was one of many started and seen through to completion by members of the Joint Project Management Office (JPMO) of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), but this project stood out to the Soldiers because of the direct impact it will have on the citizens here.
"The people of Salhiyah will have a new sewer network that will last for decades," said Maj. Andy Attar, officer in charge, JPMO, 2HBCT. "It's a great sign of Iraq moving forward."
Following a small ceremony to commemorate completion of the project, the contractor in charge provided a luncheon for the leaders in attendance.
The luncheon was a chance for the leaders to discuss the importance of the project as well as reflect on their choice of who should be responsible for the construction of the sewage plant.
"I was very happy to see this event turn out so successfully," said Jamal, Karkh Beladiyah director general. "I was happy about the choice of the contractor because I knew he would follow up on his work."
Another positive sign for the project was the start to finish involvement by the local government in an effort that shows Iraqis are ready to take and keep the lead on future reconstruction efforts.
"This sewer network was designed by Baghdad City planners," said Attar. "The work was supervised by their engineers daily with the Dagger Brigade in overwatch."
(By Sgt. Brian Tierce, 1st Infantry Division)
A sense of improvement gets a society functioning about faster than anything. Rising expectations raise morale.
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