Posted on 06/22/2008 9:08:48 AM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD – At first glance it doesn’t look like much: a construction site with a large wooden box strapped to a forklift, a crane, approximately 15 Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, and a small pile of equipment.
Such were the humble beginnings of a project that involves installing solar-powered street lights in order to deter militant and criminal activity, improve public safety and security, and ease the burdens on the growing Iraqi infrastructure.
“The 4th Infantry Division has been the driving force through this project,” said Capt. Adam Levitt, currently on a military transition team from 4th Inf. Div. as the engineer advisor for the 6th Iraqi Army Division. “(They) came in and said, ‘We want to do something to help the people and the Iraqi security Forces.’”
Levitt, along with Darryl Steadman, a civilian advisor, a translator and approximately ten IA soldiers, began to install the first four of 100 solar-powered street lights June 19.
Since the lights are solar powered, they do not place any burden on the Iraqi electrical grid.
“Right now, the infrastructure won’t support [this many new lights],” said Steadman, part of the military assistance team and Iraqi assistance group for the 6th IA Div., military transition team, 4th Inf. Div. “Although Iraq is working on the electrical grid and the infrastructure … it’s not quick enough. We need something now, and this seems to be a pretty good solution.”
The lights also have other benefits.
“We know this [project] is going to make a direct impact on the populace,” said Levitt. “It’s removing the darkness, the safe haven for the [criminals] and for criminal activity.”
Areas of little or no visibility around the road lend themselves to the emplacement of explosively formed projectiles and improvised explosive devices, said Steadman. The lights will also benefit IA soldiers who work at nearby tactical checkpoints and entry control points.
“We’re already getting feedback from some of the guy’s out at the TCPs,” said Steadman. “(They) are getting pretty excited that they’re going to have some light.”
According to Col. Ahmed Khalifa, commander of the engineer battalion, the lights will provide the only light at night for some areas.
The installation of the first lights went smoothly.
“[The Iraqi Army soldiers] want to be involved in this on a level that will show at least us, as advisors … that they can handle this on their own and that they’re ready to take on their mission with very little help or assistance from U.S. or Coalition forces,” said Steadman.
“This project has been extremely rewarding, said Levitt. “Everybody’s picking up a wrench; everybody’s carrying heavy equipment. You don’t need a translator for that.”
Steadman, who served in Iraq in 2003-2004 as a member of the U.S. military, said that although he feels Iraq still has work to do, the country has come a long way.
“I think this gives confidence to the people,” said Steadman. “People are driving up and down and seeing lights going in. What kind of message does this give to the people? We’re here to help, and we’re going forward; we’re not stagnant.”
The lights, which cost approximately $4,000 each, will eventually be placed in the Muthana, Douhra, Ghazaliya and Abu Ghuraib sections of Baghdad and in the city of Taji.
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