Expert Arrives in Basra to Restore Water

Reuters ^ | 03-25-03 | reuters

[Nayt2]

KUWAIT (Reuters) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday a specialist engineer had arrived in Iraq's second city of Basra to try to restore water supplies and avert a feared humanitarian crisis. "Our water engineer went in last night and is working with local technicians," ICRC spokeswoman Tamara al-Rifai told Reuters.

The main Wafa al-Qaed water treatment plant on the northern edge of Basra, scene of fierce fighting between British and U.S. forces and Iraqi defenders, has been out of action since Friday because of a power outage.

The ICRC has said that although other plants were able to supply some 40 percent of usual needs, the quality of the water was poor.

Balthasar Staehelin, ICRC director-general of the Middle East and North Africa, said on Monday a major humanitarian crisis would occur in Basra without rapid restoration of water supplies.

Daytime temperatures in Basra, which has a population of around two million, can soar toward 104 Fahrenheit at this time of year.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for urgent measures to help restore water and electricity Basra.

[SuziQ]

So who cut off the water?

[EaglesUpForever]

Whoever cut off the power...

[whadizit]

Geez, making me thirsty.

[whadizit]

Drop some water in there temporarily if people are going to die!!

[babygene]

I don't see a problem with them dieing... After all, they are the enemy.

[geopyg]

I was expecting a picture of Moses!

[whadizit]

LOL!!

[bonesmccoy]

Recommendation for emptying Basra...

Set up coalition roadblocks on all exits.

Set up transition camps in Coalition controlled territory.

Put food, water, and culturally appropriate supplies in "transition" camp.

Filter all individuals moving through lines (using recruited locals)

Move through Basra in sectors as you move each group of civilians to the transition camps. Sweep evacuated areas with coalition forces. When sweeps are complete, return civ's to sector (with restored water/utilities).

[rolling_stone]

I don't understand the problem, all they have to do is pray to Allah and it will rain...

[libertylover]

About a week ago on another thread I commented that if Palestinians wanted to be a state they should act like a state, but I went on to say I wasn't convinced they could even run a sewer system.

About that last part - I thought I was just joking!

[Darksheare]

Power outage???
Just fire up the freaking generator, 'Raqi dope fiends!
Cripes, who does their thinking over there....

[T. P. Pole]

You mean like this?

[PBRSTREETGANG]

I believe the"engineer" is now teaching them all how to do a rain dance.

[verity]

Perhaps Mohammed can turn sand into water.

[Paradox]

I saw the new water rigging. It consists of a 6 inch Polyvinyl Chloride pipe (PVC). This pipe has one end in the center of the city, where the city dwellers can get what they need. The pipe runs for 300 meters where it connects to the British/American urinals.

Ok this is mean, I'm just kidding, sheesh, sorry..

[Fractal Trader]

This is series!

Uprising By Shiites in Basra Underway; British Pouring Artillery into City

[First_Salute]

Hmm...

[Stand Watch Listen]

I was expecting a picture of Moses!

We aim to please....