Posted on 08/04/2004 3:45:12 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
More power added to the Iraqi National Grid
August 4, 2004 BAGHDAD, Iraq The people of Iraq woke up to more power this morning as a new generator came on line bringing the country an additional 20 Megawatts of electrical generation. The addition of the generator at the Bayji Power Plant in north central Iraq is the first of many slated to come on line this month. This marks yet another step forward for the Iraqi people and provides them with additional power, said Lt. Col. Jeffery Ogden, Director of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Restore Iraqi Electricity Directorate. We will continue to work alongside the Iraqis and help them build a solid foundation for the future of the nation. That foundation will continue to solidify this month, as additional power generators are expected to come on line throughout August and bring more electricity to the people of Iraq. Electricity is a commodity that is extremely important in ensuring the well-being of Iraq, he said. As additional electricity is generated and provided, many Iraqi people will be able to realize for the first time the modern conveniences of air conditioning, refrigerators and a host of modern conveniences to quell the effects of the scorching summer desert heat. Since beginning its work in the country nearly a year ago, the Corps has added an additional 1392 Megawatts to the Iraqi national grid. Its the hard work and dedication of the Minister of Electricity, the Iraqi workforce and the members of the multinational team that are making these advances possible, said Maj. Erik Stor, operations officer for the Corpss RIE Directorate. So many have made Herculean efforts to bring more electricity to Iraq, and we are now seeing the fruits of that labor. Despite more than 30 years of neglect by the former regime and attacks by anti-Iraqi forces, the multinational team continues to improve the countrys infrastructure. We will not falter in delivering the new Iraq a modern infrastructure, Stor said. Anti-Iraqi forces continue to conduct operations to disrupt reconstruction efforts; however, the resolve of the Iraqi people and the brave men and women of the Corps and the Multinational Force remain committed to freeing the country from anti-Iraqi forces intent on obstructing the countrys progress. For more information, contact Mitch Frazier at (540) 665-5339 or via Iraqna at 0-790-192-5105 or visit www.grd.usace.army.mil. --30-- |
Well, er, more power to them.
All of this without France and Germany's help or permission?
Last I heard, France and Germany wouldn't build a power plant when their lives depended on it. They don't even know how to install an air conditioner in a hospital. Trust me, we don't need them.
Thanks again, RC, for your tireless efforts since March 2003 to round up the real news from Iraq!
There should be an FR award for going so far beyond the call of duty, in the highest tradition of the Republic!
u
Essayons bump
BUMP!
Can't tell you how much I appreciate the threads you post.
This is really good news! Having electricity is the second highest priority after security.
On one of the Iraqi blogs, I read that one of the reasons electricity is continuing to be a major problem in Iraq is because the people are now being paid higher wages and are buying air conditioners, refrigerators, ranges, computers,etc. -- things they couldn't afford to buy in the past.
It is impossible to keep up with the increased electrical demand.
Bump!
If I were a Demodog, I would point out that the timing of this additional 20MW of electricity coming on line is very suspicious, and is obviously an attempt to boost President Bush's standing in this country. The Corps ought not to have added 1392MW to the Iraqi power grid until after the re-election of the president, so as to not appear partisan. I sincerely hope they will refrain from allowing the additional generators from being added before the election season is over... </ sarcasm>
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