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Bi-Weekly Update : Iraq Reconstruction - 5/12/06
By USAID
May 17, 2006 - 3:06:00 AM

An USAID representative recently toured 12 villages in Erbil where an OFDA project brought water to 16,000 local residents.
Washington, DC -- Weekly Update -- This fact sheet highlights overall accomplishments and some weekly activities from USAID’s reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information on USAID’s programs in Iraq please see: www.usaid.gov/iraq

Program Overview

USAID’s goal is to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing water and wastewater treatment facilities, especially those in the south where water quantity and quality are particularly low. An anticipated 11.8 million Iraqis will benefit from USAID’s $600 million in water and sanitation projects.

Highlight This Week - Safe Drinking Water Delivered

Working with local partners, OFDA delivered safe drinking water to 1,600 people across 12 villages in Erbil. High sulfur content had rendered the water in the region unsafe for human consumption. OFDA supported a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in building storage tanks, a chlorination unit, and three wells — as well as installing over 14,500 meters of pipe — to deliver safe drinking water to the 12 villages. The project also ensured that each village had an elevated storage tank, distribution network and tap stands.

During a recent site trip, OFDA representatives visited with local government officials and village leaders involved in the project. The leaders expressed gratitude for the project and stated that it was improving their lives. One of the villagers said, “This project changed our lives forever,” and specifically noted that it had improved the lives of the women in that area. Additionally, the leaders spoke about the importance of the project in encouraging others to return to their homes and farms.

To ensure continued success of the project, OFDA partners are arranging a training session for two people in each village to provide instruction on water systems operations and maintenance. OFDA’s local partner will provide the operators with maintenance kits and other supplies. Following training the implementing partner will hand the project over to the local authorities.

Source: USAID, http://www.usaid.gov/



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