| HAWIJA, Iraq, July 11, 2006 -- A Project Coordination Cell, an outlying branch of the Kirkuk Regional Government’s engineer board, recently opened in Multaka, Iraq. It will handle all project concerns for the citizens living in the Hawija region. “It’s a substantial step for the Sunni Arabs in this country,” said Maj. Kelly Kendrick, the operations manager for 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Prior to the Project Coordination Cell opening, Iraqis in the Hawija region sent project recommendations to Kirkuk, which increased the overall length of time for a project to be completed. “It was a combination of us starting and then realizing the substantial hurdles of working within the system the way it existed,” explained Kendrick. “Between standing up this branch of the PCC and doing some refinements on what the standards are on these projects, it’s increased the number and dollar amount that has come into the area.” The cell handles water projects such as wells and irrigation systems, upgrading hospitals and clinics, as well as schools and local courthouses. There are currently $3.9 million worth of projects under way or pending in the Hawija district, almost a 60 percent increase in the last three months.
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