U.S. Army Announces Latest Figures on Iraq Reconstruction to Coincide With Fifth Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
March 25, 2008
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the lead up to the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, the U.S. Army released comprehensive figures on relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq in critical areas including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, democracy programs and training.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080318/AQTU152)
Highlights of U.S. Army-led initiatives include:
-- An estimated 4.1 million more Iraqis have access to drinkable water
than did before the Army projects
-- Addition of 1,560 megawatts of capacity to existing electrical
infrastructure has created a more equitable distribution of power
-- U.S. involvement has increased the capacity for oil production from
2.0 million to 3.0 million barrels per day
Maj. David Noble is serving a 12-month tour of duty which started in June 2007 and to date, has overseen the design, construction and completion of more than 100 projects worth an estimated $245 million. Most notably, he has helped renovate elementary schools.
"Sometimes the locals don't even know I exist, that I am pushing the construction forward, or that I am the person making their lives easier," said Maj. Noble. "Selfless service goes a long way, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
All of the training, rebuilding, peacekeeping and civilian security efforts over the past five years in Iraq are now recognized as part of the Army's "Stability Operations." The goal is to equip and empower the Iraqi government and Iraqi Security Forces to be able to govern and protect its citizens. Iraqi Security Forces are now taking the lead in defending various regions of the country and are responsible for provincial security for nine of the 18 provinces in Iraq.
For more information, visit http://www.soldiersstrengtheniraq.com/.
Data Source: Figures provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division (GRD). Work is funded by the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund, Development Fund for Iraq, Commander's Emergency Response Program, Economic Support Fund and Iraq Security Forces Fund.