BAGHDAD — More than $55 million in both U.S. and Iraqi funds have been pumped into Sadr City to improve the quality of life for residents there since the end of major combat operations this past spring.
In a combined effort between both Iraqi and American forces, the people of Sadr City have benefited from renovated and re-opened schools, new parks, improved medical facilities, more consistent electricity and better trash removal services.
The area where these improvements have occurred is referred to as Operational Environment Gold, named after the infamous wall that separates the southern third of this northeastern Baghdad district and provides a security buffer.
“It also had an impact on the government of Iraq as they have watched our support to the local government down here in the south part of Sadr City [we can] also start to see some progress in the northern parts or the parts beyond the Gold Wall as we call it,” said Col. John Hort, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Since May, when the Muqtada al-Sadr-enforced cease fire took effect, more than 100 projects have been completed with assistance from the 926th Engineer Brigade. Additionally, the Striker Brigade and the 926th Eng. Bde., who work jointly in OE Gold, have handed out more than $3 million in microgrants to local businesses.
These improvements to the area have not gone unappreciated. In addition to the increased revenue in the area, there has also been an increased desire for similar projects to take hold in areas north of the infamous wall.
“Unfortunately, reconstruction north of the Gold Wall is going slow. However, I know Dr. Sumad [Chairman of the GoI's Sadr City Reconstruction Committee] is committed to success. It is my hope that soon all the citizens of Sadr City may experience the improved security and economic blessings of OE Gold,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, commander of 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Cooperation has been paramount to success in OE Gold between American forces as well as the Iraqi contractors and workers who complete the projects.
“The assistance and reconstruction efforts in OE Gold by [3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.] and TF Gold have dramatically improved the quality of life for local residents. OE Gold residents are saying ‘NO’ to the militia and the old ways of Sadr City and ‘YES’ to progress,” said Talley, a South Bend, Ind., native.
Sadr City, with the addition of these projects and the impact of the monies pushed into the local economy, has experienced wholesale improvements in this once impoverished region. But, there are still many other areas where advances can still be made.
“We’re very encouraged with what we see inside Sadr City that we were not able to see last year and as early as March of this year,” said Hort, a Fayetteville, N.C., native.