الوكالة الأمريكية للتنمية — العراق: نشرة حقائق رقم 51، 29 أيلول 2004

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE September 29, 2004 This report highlights overall accomplishments and weekly activities from USAID’s reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information on USAID’s pro- grams in Iraq please visit www.usaid.gov/iraq . Contents: Electricity ...................................................... 2 Water and Sanitation .................................... 3 Airports.......................................................... 4 Seaports ........................................................ 4 Bridges, Roads, and Railroads.................... 5 Telecommunications .................................... 5 Education ...................................................... 6 Health............................................................. 7 Economic Governance................................ 8 Agriculture ................................................... 9 Marshlands................................................. 10 Food Security............................................. 10 Local Governance ..................................... 11 Community Action Program ..................... 12 Transition Initiatives.................................. 13 Financial Summary.................................... 14 USAID assists Iraqis in reconstructing their country by working with Iraq’s Interim Government. Programs are implemented in coordination with the United Nations, country partners, nongovern- mental organizations, and private sector partners. The USAID mission in Iraq carries out programs in education, health care, food security, infrastructure reconstruction, airport management, economic growth, community development, democracy and governance, and transition initiatives. Grain silos at Umm Qasr port, rehabilitated by USAID in 2003 United States Agency for International Development USAID www.usaid.gov/iraq Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Electricity September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals include the emergency repair or rehabilitation of power genera- tion facilities and electrical grids. Teams of engineers from the Ministry of Electricity, USAID, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been working since May of 2003 to restore capacity to Iraq’s power system. • By October, rehabilitated electric power capacity to produce peak capacity greater than the pre-war level of 4,400 MW. Now producing daily peaks in excess of 5,000 MW. Hit Highlights this week: • Construction at a new genera- tion project in At’ Tamim Gov- ernorate which will add 325 MW to Iraq’s national grid is more than two-thirds complete; the first 65 MW are scheduled to come online in November 2004. Workers are making steady progress installing sys- tems such as gas and electrical pipelines in preparation for the Iso-phase duct inspections at a USAID generation project i n At' Tamim installation of the site’s two gen- erators. This is one of two new generation projects being implemented by USAID in Iraq. Through a combination of maintenance upgrades, rehabilita- tion work, and new generation projects in numerous sites around Iraq, USAID is expecting to add more than 2,000 MW to the grid by December 2005. • The first environmental assessment (EA) on a USAID/Iraq reconstruction pro- ject has been completed. The EA was performed by USAID Mission staff on a $214.5 million generation project at a Baghdad power station and examined a diverse set of factors in the project, including the impact on soil and erosion; local land use; water resources; biological resources; air quality and noise; cul- tural resources; socio-economics; traffic; and hazardous waste. The assess- ment also included a number of recommendations to minimize adverse envi- ronmental impacts, and recommended environmental awareness training for all project personnel. Performing such an assessment in developing countries of- ten presents a major challenge due to the lack of basic informa- tion and the high number of vari- ables in a dynamic environment; these challenges have made the completion of this assessment is a significant accomplishment for USAID. 5,365 MW on August 18, 2004. • In summer 2004, after months of power reduction for generation unit mainte- nance, generation began steadily increasing. • Repairing thermal units, replacing turbines, rehabili- tating the power distribution network, and installing and restoring generators. • USAID has added 340 MW of capacity through maintenance and rehabilita- tion work, and also repaired a 400 KV transmission line. • USAID and the Ministry of Electricity are working w ith partners to add a total of more than 2,000 MW to the national grid by December 2005 through maintenance, rehabilitation, and new gen- eration projects. • Most recently, USAID has initiated a project to rehabili- tate 13 existing substations and construct 24 new sub- stations in Baghdad. These 37 substations will improve the distribution and reliability of electricity for more than two million Baghdad resi- dents. • USAID has also begun an operations and maintenance program to improve the output and reliability of 114 power plant units at 19 ther- mal and combustion gas turbine generation sites throughout Iraq. Truck wetting soil at the power plant site; dust was identified as a threat to worker's health during an environmental assessment conducted at this site United States Agency for International Development USAID www.usaid.gov/iraq 2 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Water and Sanitation September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing water and wastewater treatment facilities, especially those in the south where water quan- tity and quality are particularly low. An anticipated 11.8 million Iraqis will benefit from USAID’s $600 million in water and sanitation projects. Highlights this week: • • • USAID’s project to rehabilitate a water and wastewater plant in Salah ad Din Governorate is con- tinuing. These projects were initi- ated in spring 2004 to serve a rural town of 60,000 residents in this governorate. The wastewater reha- bilitation plant is approximately 30 percent complete – current work is focused on the mechanical equip- Foundation for water treatment plant alum and chlo- rine building ment at the plant. These repairs will restore the plant to its full capacity after years without maintenance and replacement parts. Work at the water treatment plant is about 14 percent com- plete. This past week, a compact unit for one of the plant’s three trains was de- livered and the unit is being installed. Once all work at the plant is complete, the plant will produce approximately 3.8 million gallons per day of potable drinking water. Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year. A local council in Babil Governorate is working with Local Governance Pro- gram advisors to conduct an assessment of water supply systems in three Babil districts. Currently, the 3,000 residents of this area have no clean or safe drinking water but instead are dependent for household needs on water heavily polluted with raw sewage. As a result, villagers, particularly children and the elderly, are succumbing to a variety of waterborne diseases. LGP is working with local council members to develop a plan of action to provide access to safe and clean drinking water for local residents. Half of a $36.7 million USAID grant to UNICEF for health and water and sanitation programs is being used to support water supply and sanitation im- provement projects throughout Iraq. As a result of these programs, vulnerable populations are gaining access to potable water and improved sanitation is helping to decrease the incidence of waterborne diseases, thus improving pub- lic health throughout the country. Recent activities in water and sanitation have included providing emergency water supplies to areas in conflict such as Najaf, providing water to vulnerable populations, and contributing to the resto- ration of water treatment facilities. • Nationwide: Repaired various lift stations and treatment units. • Baghdad: Expanding one water treatment plant to increase capacity by more than 50 million gallons per day and rehabilitating sew- age treatment plants. ◊ A major wastewater treatment plant in Baghdad began operating in June of 2004; this is the first major plant in the country to oper- ate in over 12 years. ◊ The sewage treatment system in Baghdad, barely functioning for years before the conflict, will be restored to almost 100-percent ca- pacity, serving 80 percent of Baghdad’s population. ◊ Standby generators are being installed at 41 Bagh- dad water facilities. • South: Rehabilitating parts of the Sweet Water Canal system, including repairing breaches, clean- ing the main reservoir, and refurbishing 14 water treat- ment plants around Basrah serving 2 million people. • South Central: Rehabili- tating two water plants and four sewage plants. ◊ Sewage plants in An Najaf, Al Qadisiyah, Kar- bala’, and Babil Gover- norates will serve 440,000. ◊ Water treatment in Najaf and Babil will serve resi- dents and visitors at Iraq’s holiest shrines. • North: Rehabilitating two water plants and one sew- age plant near Mosul and Kirkuk. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 3 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Airports September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to provide material and personnel for the repair of airport facili- ties, rehabilitate airport terminals, facilitate humanitarian and commercial flights, and assist the Iraqi Airport Commission Authority. • Flights have been arriv- ing and departing Baghdad International Airport since July 2003. BIAP is process- ing an average of 45 non- military arrivals and depar- tures daily. The Oshkosh TI-3000 fire truck. Three trucks were provided to Baghdad Interna- tional Airport in July along with firefighting equipment including boots, helmets, work gloves, uniforms, and various tools. 83 firefighters also received extensive train- ing on the TI-3000 and on firefighting techniques. • Completed emergency infrastructure work at BIAP for civil air operations, in- cluding repairing Terminal C and administration offices and installing VSAT com- munications systems and 6.5 megawatt power gen- erators. • Completed work which is preparing Al Basrah Inter- national Airport for commer- cial operations, including installing VSAT and radio communications; runway, taxiway, and apron striping; and installing baggage x- ray units and a perimeter fence. Seaports USAID’s goal was to rehabilitate and improve management at the port, manage port administration, coordinate transport from the seaport, and facilitate cargo- handling services such as warehousing, shipment tracking, and storage. Grain silos at Umm Qasr port. In ruins after years of neglect and m is- use, the grain-receiving facility at the port was rehabilitated by USAID in 2003 and is now fully operational and managed and maintained by staff of the Iraqi Grain Board. After major work was completed, USAID provided training in operations and maintenance, including hands-on experience in unloading the first grain shipment, which arrived No- vember 14, 2003. As important components of Iraq's econom ic infra- structure, the Umm Qasr Seaport is a critical focal point for receiving goods, including humanitarian assis- tance. Major Accomplishments to Date • USAID’s $45 million pro- grams to rehabilitate and improve management at the port were completed in June 2004. • Port reopened to com- mercial traffic on June 17 2003; completed first pas- senger vessel test July 16. • Up to 50 ships offload cargo at the port every month. • Completed dredging to open all 21 berths to deep- draft ships; maintenance dredging is ongoing. • Applied port tariffs on June 20, 2003. • Renovated the grain- receiving facility to process 600 MT of grain an hour. • Renovated the admini- stration building, passenger terminal, customs hall, and electrical substations. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 4 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Bridges and Roads September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to rebuild major transportation routes that were damaged or ne- • Completed 36 detailed bridge assessments and glected in order to restore the flow of goods and services. demolished irreparable sections in preparation for Highlights this week: • The Tikrit Bridge re-opened to vehicular traffic on September 15. The four-lane con- crete bridge crosses the Tigris River between Tikrit and Kirkuk and is an important part of the highway system for moving commerce and aid from major supply hubs. This is the third and final bridge to be reconstructed un- der USAID’s $27.8 million transportation Tikrit Bridge after reconstruction program. Repairs to the bridge began in Au- gust 2003. The Iraqi sub-contractor removed damaged sections, retrieved de- bris from the riverbed and placed two temporary bridges to permit limited one- way traffic during reconstruction. Other work included repairs to damaged beams, installation of the bridge deck, and replacement of guard rails. The ap- proximately $5.4 million project presented a unique challenge because the bridge had been distinctly designed and the original plans were unavailable. the rehabilitation of three major bridges in Iraq. All three bridges have now been repaired and re- opened to traffic. • Repaired a floating bridge over the T igris River improving traffic in the re- gion for 50,000 travelers a day. • Completed an assess- ment of over one hundred 1,100 km lengths of track and associated facilities throughout the country to identify priority projects. • Constructing 72 kilome- ters of new track and facili- ties between the Port of Umm Qasr and Shuaiba Junction, located west of Basrah. Telecommunications Major Accomplishments to Date As part of USAID’s effort to restore critical infrastructure, USAID is working with the Iraq Telecommunications and Postal Commission (ITPC) to restore the nation’s fiber optic network, repair the phone switching system in Baghdad and restore international telecommunications capability. i USAID worked w th the Iraqi Telephone and Postal Commission (ITPC) to rehabilitate the national fiber optic network between the northernmost governorate Dahuk and Umm Qasr in the southeast. The work resulted in a complete upgrade of the critical 2,000 kilo- meter backbone, which connects major cities throughout the country. Connectivity be- tween Iraqi cities will deliver the voice and data communications Iraq needs both for its immediate requirements and for future eco- nomic development. • Audited more than 1,200 km of the fiber optic backbone network and performed emergency re- pairs, reconnecting 20 cities and 70% of the population. • Reconstituted Baghdad area phone service by in- stalling switches w ith 240,000 lines at 12 sites. • Installed 13 new switches, and fully inte- i grated them w th the 14 existing switches. • Ministry of Communica- tions reactivated more than 213,000 subscriber lines. • Installed a satellite gate- way system at Baghdad’s largest telecom exchange and restored international service. • Trained ITPC engineers and technicians in the op- eration and maintenance of the satellite gateway sys- tem and the new switches. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 5 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Education September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals are to increase enrollment, improve the quality of primary and secondary education, ensure classrooms have sufficient supplies, facilitate com- munity involvement, train teachers, implement accelerated learning programs, and establish partnerships between U.S. and Iraqi colleges and universities. Highlights this week: • Under USAID’s higher education program, a workshop on child nutri- tional status was con- ducted in Jordan for fac- ulty representatives from four Iraqi colleges of medicine. USAID’s grant to UNICEF supported the attendance of three scien- tists from Iraq’s national Workshop for Iraqi medical college professors on child nutrition Nutrition Research Institute to encourage collaboration between this institute and the medical colleges. The conference addressed the child nutrition issues identified as most critical by the World Health Organiza- tion, including protein-energy malnutrition and deficiencies of vitamin A, io- dine, iron and zinc. At the request of the participants, sessions on vitamin D, folic acid and selenium were also added to the program. Participants in the workshop brought data about the community health programs in Iraq and about research they had conducted during the past few years. • Fourteen nursing faculty members have begun a refresher course to improve their English language skills at a technical institute in northern Iraq. This course will include thirty hours of instruction and will last for one month. The goal of the program is to improve faculty members’ skills in English conversa- tion to allow them to participate in international workshops, seminars and con- ferences and benefit from English- language research and teaching materials. This initiative is part of USAID’s higher education pro- gram which is working to improve public health and sanitation educa- tion to support the development of Iraq’s health care system. • Facilities ◊ Awarded 627 grants worth more than $6 million to rehabilitate schools and equip Directorates General. ◊ Rehabilitated 2,405 schools countrywide. • Supplies ◊ Distri buted desks, chairs, cabinets, chalkboards, and kits for primary and secon- i dary schools countryw de. ◊ Printed and distributed 8.7 million revised math and science textbooks to grades 1-12 by mid-February 2004. • Institutional Strengthening ◊ Completed a major initia- tive that trained nearly 33,000 secondary school teachers and administrators, including 860 master train- ers, nationwide. ◊ Conducted a pilot acceler- ated learning program in five Iraqi cities to allow out-of- school children to complete two school years in one year. More than 550 stu- dents participated. ◊ Assisted the Ministry in establishing official baseline education data for Iraq. • Higher Education ◊ Awarded five grants worth $20.7 million to create part- nerships between U.S. and Iraqi universities. Through these partnerships, Iraqi universities are rebuilding infrastructure; re-equipping university facilities; partici- pating in international con- ferences; attending work- shops and refresher courses; and reforming cur- l ricu um. English language workshop for nursing faculty at a technical institute USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 6 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Health September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals include supporting a reformed Iraqi Ministry of Health, deliver- ing essential health services, funding vaccines and high protein biscuits for pregnant and nursing mothers and malnourished children, providing basic pri- mary health care equipment and supplies, training and upgrading health staff, providing health education and information, and identify the specific needs of the health sector and of vulnerable populations such as women and children. • Vaccinated over 3 million children under five and 700,000 pregnant women with vaccination campaigns that included monthly immu- nization days. • Provided supplementary doses of vitamin A for more than 600,000 children under Highlights this week: • • • On September 4, the Ministry of Health (MoH) launched a polio immunization campaign throughout Iraq. During the first three days of the five-day cam- paign, the MoH reported that 70% of the 4.7 million children to be immunized had been vaccinated. These results were also confirmed by Iraq Red Crescent Society monitoring teams. The campaign was accomplished through door to door visits by local volunteers and supported by a media education cam- paign. This is a major success for the MoH, who successfully mobilized teams across Iraq, even in the face of instability. The campaign was vital given the continuing insecurity in the country, which increases the risk of the virus enter- ing from other countries. While surveillance systems used to detect polio cases have been restored throughout Iraq, routine immunization coverage is still in- sufficient; accordingly, vaccination campaigns will need to continue for the time being. The campaign was supported by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the European Union, and funded in part by an $18 million USAID grant to UNICEF for health initiatives in Iraq. During the past month, UNICEF has helped to deliver supplies for improved nutrition and is also supporting nutrition training for medical staff. Supplies have included the delivery of 543 metric tons of high protein biscuits through- out Iraq and the procurement of 215 grain feeders to support wheat flour forti- fication. Using USAID funds, UNICEF is also planning a national micronutri- ent assessment in Iraq. An organization in south-central Iraq has received an $11,000 grant from USAID’s Iraq Transition Initiative to continue publishing a health journal which provides Iraqi citizens with up-to-date medical information. The first of three editions under this grant is currently being distributed. The journal in- cludes articles about diet, exercise and proper nutrition, as well as stories that set straight common misconceptions about various illnesses and some tradi- tional medical practices. The group has been working with a medical college, the local health directorate and medical professionals to develop their message and has received a positive response from readers. This initiative is enhancing the capacity of an emerging civil society organization and is encouraging hon- est dissemination of information and dialogue among citizens about issues critical to their well-being. two and 1.5 million lactating mothers. • Provided iron folate sup- plements for over 1.6 million women of childbearing age. • Screened more than 1.3 million children under five for malnutrition. • Distributed high protein biscuits to more than 450,000 children and 200,000 pregnant and nurs- ing mothers. • Provided potable water for 400,000 persons each day in Basrah city and 170,000 persons in Kirkuk and Mosul. • Provided skills training for 2,500 primary health care providers and 700 physi- cians. • Trained 2,000 health educators, teachers, reli- gious leaders and youth to mobilize communities on hygiene, diarrhea, breast- feeding, nutrition and immu- nization issues. • Disseminated information on essential health mes- sages to families around the country. • Renovated 110 primary health care centers. • Provided vaccines and cold chain equipment to selected health centers. • Developed a national plan for the fortification of wheat flour w th iron and folic acid. i USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 7 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Economic Governance September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID supports sustainable economic reforms in Iraq including examining and reforming laws, regulations, and institutions and providing a framework for pri- vate sector trade, commerce, and investment. The reforms will strengthen the Central Bank and the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Commerce and Industry— among others. Highlights this week: • The Iraq Customs Commission is establishing a new Exemption Control Unit to allow for timely and efficient processing of tax exemptions from Iraq’s re- construction levy. This levy, which was implemented on April 15, is a 5% tar- iff on all goods imported into Iraq. Food, medicine, clothing, books, humani- tarian goods, and goods imported by the US Embassy and coalition forces are exempt from the levy. The establishment of this new unit is part of USAID’s Economic Growth, Recovery, and Reform Program. USAID partner advisors designed the new unit and are facilitating collaboration between the Customs Commission and the Project and Contracts Office (PCO), which is responsible for administering many US Government reconstruction contracts in Iraq. PCO has agreed to provide the Customs office with Internet capability, which will allow the Exemption Unit to begin operations. Once this is completed all im- porters will be able to submit their documentation directly to the Customs Of- fice. This will streamline the exemptions process and improve the efficiency of reconstruction levy processing. • Worked wi th the Ministry of Finance to introduce the new Iraqi dinar. • Created more than 77,000 public works jobs through the National Em- ployment Program. • Provided technical assis- tance on accounting, budg- eting and lending activit ies at Iraq’s commercial banks. • Improved statistical analy- sis, monetary policymaking, and bank supervision proce- dures at Iraq’s Central Bank. • Provided technical assis- tance for CPA’s $21 million microcredit program. • Provided technical assis- tance for the Oil for Food transition to prepare Iraqi ministries to assume re- sponsibility for OFF con- tracts. • Evaluated and updated commercial laws on private sector and foreign invest- ment. • Assisted in developing the reconstruction levy in col- i laboration w th the CPA and the UK Customs Service; this levy imposes a five percent tariff on imports to Iraq. • Developed a government- wi de IT strategy to support the automation of planning, budgeting and reporting processes across ministries. • Provided technical assis- tance as well as information on contracting opportunities for Iraqi businesses through business centers. • Provided technical sup- port for the re-opening of the Iraq Stock Exchange after it was closed down for more than 15 months; 3.6 billion Iraqi dinars ($2.4 million USD) in shares were traded in the first day. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 8 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Agriculture September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals are to work in conjunction with Iraqi ministries, the private sec- tor, and higher education institutions to revitalize agricultural production, stimulate income and employment generation, nurture rural initiatives, and re- habilitate the natural resource base. Summer and W • inter Crop Technology Demonstrations: These demonstrations are introducing farmers to new technologies and techniques through extension field days. Highlights this week: • The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) conducted a maize production workshop for agricultural researchers and extensionists to share recent field results from all over the country. The workshop discussed the physiology of maize, results from research station trials, agricultural extension, and maize breeding. This workshop received support from USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruction and De- velopment program for Iraq (ARDI). • The MOA and USAID conducted the final workshop on the results of the Win- ter Crop Technology Demonstrations from the 2003-2004 season. This was one of nine workshops held to show farmers the results of improved crop tech- Six field days were also held as part of the program. nologies. These work- shops and field days were very successful in introducing the farmers to ways for improving crop productivity. This program was initiated in 2003 to in- crease crop production by using improved farm technologies; develop the ca- pacity of the MOA to provide extension services; and provide materials for a national seed multiplication and certification program. • The The MOA’s rice demonstration program is showing excellent results. crops are growing rapidly and are experiencing little weed growth, which is often a significant problem in Iraq. This program is supported by USAID and is part of a larger summer crop demonstration program, which also includes maize and vegetables. The rice program is being conducted by fourteen farm- ers in four governorates in central and south-central Iraq. The demonstrations consist of an integrated package of technologies including an improved fertil- izer regime, weed control, and in some cases improved irrigation in the form of overhead sprinklers. • Radish farmers in northern Iraq who are participating in an MOA vegetable research and extension project have planted their fields. Prior to planting, they prepared their land and constructed plots. For planting, farmers broadcasted seeds, covered them with soil, tamped down the soil, and then flood-irrigated the plots. Signs giving information on date of planting, varieties planted, and seeding rate, will be posted on participating farmers’ land to inform neighbor- ing farmers of assessment details. A second component of this demonstration project is swiss chard planting, in which farmers are assessing the value of planting, irrigation, weeding and harvesting practices. Animal Health: Severa • l veteri nary clinics in Kirkuk, Fallujah, and other cities are being renovated and a grant has been made for dipping tanks to improve sheep health and wool. • Technology Support: The Ministry of Agriculture and a major university’s schools of Agriculture and Veterinary Science have been awarded grants to furnish and equip computer centers, improving research capabilities and consulting capacity. • In Date Palm Propagation: collaboration wi th the Minis- try of Agriculture, 40,000 elite date palm offshoots are being used to establish mother orchards in 13 gov- ernorates as part of a multi- plication program and the establishment of a national register of elite varieties. • Agriculture Sector Transi- tion Plan: This plan, com- pleted in mid-April, ad- dresses the short-term re- covery of agricultural infra- structure as well as medium and long-term implementa- tion of policies to develop a market-based agricultural economy. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 9 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update September 29, 2004 Marshlands Date Major Accomplishments to USAID’s marshland restoration initiative works with local residents in support of marshland restoration and the social and economic development of marsh communities. Highlights this week: • Community members in south- ern Iraq have come together through USAID’s Community Action Program to purchase water buffalos for several marshland families. Water buffalo herding is a vital part of life in the marshland areas of southern Iraq and a signifi- cant source of income. This project also supported the con- struction of a water canal in the Buffalo supplied to families in Iraq's marshlands village that will support the growth of local vegetation and provide a place for the water buffalos to graze. • Marshland restoration activiti es have included surveys, pilot sites, flow and marsh hydrology modeling, and infrastructure needs assessments. • Produced a technical assessment in June 2003 in collaboration wi th the Minis- try of Water Resources and the a major university. • Implementing a strategy for marsh restoration, which includes ecosystem monitor- ing, wetland reconstruction, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, agribusiness, fishing and aquaculture, livestock and dairy produc- tion, and primary healthcare. • Improving capacity through laboratory and GIS development, study tours, training, and formulation of a strategy for international donor assistance and par- ticipation. Food Security As part of the U.S. Government’s assistance plan, USAID played a leading role in helping to avert a humanitarian crisis in Iraq by providing assistance to the United Nations’ World Food Program through USAID’s Office of Food for Peace. Having averted a food crisis immediately following the conflict, USAID advisors continue to assist with the management and distribution of food rations for all Iraqi citizens. Workers load food supplies from a World Food Program warehouse in Umm Qasr, for distribution through local neighborhood agents. USAID supports the program which provides basic food rations to a large number of needy fam i- lies in Southern Iraq. Major Accomplishments to Date • ith the Worked directly w World Food Program (WFP ) and Coalition Forces to re- establish the Public Distribu- tion System (PDS) in less than 30 days, avoiding a humanitarian food crisis and providing food security throughout the country. • With Iraqi food distribu- tors, Food for Peace, the WFP, and Coalition Forces maintained deliveries from June through December 2003 in all 18 governorates. • Providing support to the Ministry of Trade for ongoing PDS operations. Currently, more than 480,000 metric tons of food is being deliv- ered each month. • Played a key role in an agreement between the WFP, CPA, and the MoT that provided the WFP w ith the resources and authority to continue to support the PDS through June 2004. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 10 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Local Governance September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s Local Governance Program (LGP )• Established regional of- goals include promoting represen- tative citizen participation in governance; strengthening the management skills fices in Al Basrah, Al Hillah, Baghdad, and Mosul w ith of city and provincial administrations and civic institutions; promoting advo- local offices established in cacy and participation of civil society organizations; enhancing leadership 17 out of 18 governorates and operations in all gover- skills; and serving as a recruiting tool for future leaders. norates. Highlights this week: • • • • The Baghdad Mayoralty has been chosen as the focus of an effort to deter- mine how geographic information systems (GIS) can support local govern- ment functions and decision making. On September 10, Mayoralty staff par- ticipated in a USAID supported seminar on GIS use. A working group was also formed from representatives of 11 Mayoralty departments to increase the use of GIS. These initiatives are part of a larger LGP effort to advance GIS technology to improve the efficiency of city planning operations. During the week of September 15, eighteen civic dialogue conferences were held in the conflictive area of Salah ad Din Governorate. These programs generally include 75-250 people and—depending on the specific needs of the area—facilitators prepare, organize, invite speakers, and include community leaders to participate in discussions and facilitate dialogue. The conferences use an Iraqi staff which is trained to encourage participation in the forums and answer questions about the democratic process. This week, participants discussed human rights, the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL), elec- tions, Islam and democracy, and federalism. Currently, LGP staff is conducting institutional and technical assessments of service delivery departments in south central Iraq to improve the manage- ment of essential services in the region. Once surveys in all governorates of the south central region are complete, a database will be developed to ana- lyze the results and prepare a public service assessment on policy recommen- dations for the region. LGP will conduct the surveys of institutional assess- ment over the next few weeks. In collaboration with the US Department of Justice, LGP is improving infor- mation technology capabilities in Iraq through the development of a training course for courthouse staff in management techniques, word processing, and Internet navigation. The chief judge, district judges, and 5-10 staff members from each courthouse will receive training. Each district will appoint an in- formation technology manager and—if necessary based on courthouse staff size (ranging from 10-70)—an assistant manager to coordinate the new tech- nology infrastructure and assist courthouse staff. In addition, a USAID grant will provide computer hardware to district courthouses in Salah ad Din Gov- ernorate to ensure that they are properly equipped. • Awarded $15.5 million in rapid-response grants in the first program year to strengthen the capacity of municipal authorities to de- liver core municipal ser- vices. The grants were used to restore services in agri- culture, education, health, electricity, sanitat ion, and water. In the second year, a similar grants program worth $13 million is being imple- mented. • Facilitated the establish- ment or refreshment of 16 governorate councils, 90 district councils, 194 city or sub-district councils, and 445 neighborhood councils. • Organized and carried out numerous selection proc- esses for governors and mayors, as well as local council electi ons, throughout Iraq. • Committed $2.4 million for the nationwide Civic Educa- tion Campaign, which edu- cated Iraqis on democracy and Iraq’s political situation. Rehabilitated and refur- bished government facilities. • Supported preparation of 2004 city council budgets in Baghdad, Mosul, Al Hillah, Babil, and An Najaf. • More than 26,400 democ- racy dialogues have been conducted to date. • Supporting a series of National Agenda Dialogue Conferences, which engage stakeholders such as aca- demics, journalists, women, tribal leaders, and local government officials in dis- cussions on their roles in Iraq’s democracy. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 11 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Community Action Program September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date The Community Action Program (CAP) works in rural and urban communities across Iraq to promote democracy and prevent and mitigate conflict. Working directly through partner NGOs and in consultation with local government rep- resentatives, USAID is creating representative, participatory community groups to identify critical priorities and implement programs to address those needs. Highlights this week: • Community mem- bers in a Ninawa’ Governorate vil- lage have com- pleted a project to install an electrical system in their neighborhood. This village has never had electric- ity, and commu- nity members iden- tified the provision of this service as an immediate pri- ority for the area. The project sup- New electrical system installed by community members in Ninawa' Gover- norate plied the village with electrical ca- bles, connectors, and transformers to connect the village with the main power system. This project was supported by USAID’s Community Action Program and is benefiting approximately 2,500 individuals. • USAID has committed over $92 million to 1,966 projects i while Iraqi commun ties have committed more than 25% of total funding. CAP has estab- lished over 670 community associations in 17 governorates. Five U.S. NGOs each concen- trate on a region: north, Bagh- dad, southwest central, south- east central, and south. ◊ The northern program fo- cuses on the conflict prone areas of the Sunni Triangle, Mosul, Kirkuk and the Iran-Iraq border. The partner NGO has completed 271 projects w ith over $11 million in total project commitments including estab- lishing a youth center in Hawija, improving the Tikrit water sup- ply, and developing income generation projects in the north. ◊ In the southwest central region, the partner NGO has established a strong presence in the Shi’i holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, as well as Hillah through active community asso- ciations. A strong emphasis on critical infrastructure needs has provided these communities w ith sewage and water services, improved schools, and repaired vi tal social infrastructure. They have completed 219 projects and have over $13.5 million in project commitments. ◊ Income generation is an important emphasis in the Bagh- dad program where 289 projects have been completed through community action groups. A marketplace for over 700 ven- dors is being constructed, and crews are cleaning up medical waste dumps and educating medical personnel on proper disposal methods. Total project commitments are $16.2 million. ◊ In the southeast central re- gion, 125 projects are complete wi th a total of $13.7 million in commitments. In the Shi’i heart- land, these projects address needs resulting from decades of government neglect and focus on water, sewerage, community clean-up, and school rehabilita- tion. ◊ The southern program has completed 378 projects through 138 community action groups which average 40% women’s participation. Projects have focused primarily on immediate community needs such as sew- age clean up, water treatment and distribution, public health, and girls’ access to education. Total project commitments are $15.9 million. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 12 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Transition Initiatives September 29, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI ) supports the transition to a par- ticipatory, stable, and democratic country. OTI provides quick-dispensing, high-impact grants. OTI’s fast-paced assistance meets critical needs—providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, increasing Iraqi access to information and communication, and encouraging protection of human rights. • Awarded more than 1,820 small grants totaling more than $136.5 million for quick impact activities that support good governance, civil soci- ety, conflict management and mitigation, human rights and transitional justice. • Supporting initiatives Highlights this week: • • • • USAID’s Iraq Transition Initiative is supporting temporary employment and cleanup projects that are helping to rejuvenate communities and put people to work. Recently, people in south-central Iraq have been working to clean up trash and debris littering their neighborhoods. These activities are improving blighted neighborhoods and reducing unemployment, which have contributed to discontent across the country. They are contributing to a peaceful transition by offering an alternative to those who might otherwise be pressured to join radical movements. A youth association in northern Iraq recently completed an internship program for 600 high school and college students. The organization arranged with 50 businesses to provide unpaid internships for the students so they could gain valuable work experience and leadership skills. During the program, young people interned with car mechanics, electric companies, carpenters, theaters, photography studios, and computer companies, among others. The program also provided youth with a healthy alternative during the summer months in a region prone to conflict. A $20,000 USAID Iraq Transition Initiative grant supported the program by providing funds to cover transportation expenses of the participants. An organization in northern Iraq that serves people with handicaps recently presented a computer training class for 24 of its members. The workshop was supported by an $18,000 grant from the Iraq Transition Initiative that also pro- vided computers and funded stipends for the trainers. The curriculum covered word-processing, spreadsheet analysis, and database management. In addition to teaching marketable skills, the classes increased the confidence of the par- ticipants and encouraged them to take a more active role in Iraqi society. A library in south-central Iraq was recently renovated with the assistance of an $81,558 grant from USAID’s Iraq Transition Initiative. The renovation work increased book space and added rooms for community events and computers, as well as a children’s reading room. The project will also purchase new books for the library’s collection. A refurbished library will improve the qual- ity of people’s lives and better access to information will help people partici- pate more effectively in decision-making. crucial to the democratic transition, including civic education, civil society and media development, in- creased women’s participa- tion, conflict mitigation and transitional justice. Groups targeted for assistance in- clude women’s and youth groups, professional asso- ciations and human rights organizations. • Met critical needs during and immediately after the conflict by providing short- term employment, restoring basic government and com- munity services, increasing Iraqi access to information and communication and encouraging protection of human rights. • Funded over 60 grants totaling $3 million that focus on women’s issues, includ- ing supporting the establish- ment of 14 women’s centers in Iraq. Rehabilitated over 264 Iraqi national ministries, schools, clinics and other municipal buildings. Sup- porting 65 Iraqi groups in documenting human rights abuses of the Ba’athist re- gime and promoting peace, tolerance, and reconcilia- tion. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 13 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 29, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Regions Obligation Partner Sector RECONSTRUCTION USAID/ANE .........................................................................................................................Subtotal: $3,488,457,110 Abt Associates Health Countrywide $22,624,704 AFCAP Logistics Countrywide $91,500,000 Army Corps of Engineers Architecture and Engineering services Countrywide $31,328,264 BearingPoint Economic Governance Countrywide $79,583,885 BearingPoint Economic Governance II Countrywide $20,000,000 Bechtel National Airports, buildings, emergency communications, power, rail- roads, roads and bridges, Umm Qasr seaport, water and sani- tation Countrywide $1,029,833,259 Bechtel National Infrastructure II: Airports, buildings, emergency communica- tions, power, railroads, roads and bridges, Umm Qasr seaport, water and sanitation, Basra Hospital Countrywide $1,443,359,782 Community Action Program Development in impoverished communities Countrywide $120,080,000 DAI Marshlands Fed Source RTI America’s Development Foundation CAII CEPPS CEPPS Dhi Qar Al Basrah $4,000,000 Maysan DAI Agriculture Countrywide $11,352,912 Personnel Support Countrywide $300,000 IRG Reconstruction Support Countrywide $51,698,152 Local Governance Countrywide $236,911,000 Civil Society Countrywide $42,880,157 Education Countrywide $56,503,000 CAII II Education II Countrywide $51,809,000 Education Activities in Support of Electoral Processes Countrywide $18,725,000 Iraq Governing Council Countrywide $675,000 Transitional Government Countrywide $20,700,000 CEPPS Election Observers Countrywide $5,500,000 UNICEF Health, Water, and Sanitation Countrywide $36,700,000 UNICEF Education Countrywide $19,600,000 UNESCO Textbook Printing and Distribution: Math and Science Countrywide $10,000,000 CEPPS USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 14 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 29, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation WHO Strengthen Health System Countrywide $10,000,000 SSA Port Management Umm Qasr $14,318,985 SkyLink Airport Management Baghdad Al Basrah Mosul $27,200,000 MSI Monitoring and Evaluation Countrywide $5,038,772 • The Research Foundation of the State University of New York/Stony Brook and the Universities of Chicago, Boston, and Oxford • The Human Rights Institute, DePaul University College of Law, and Italy’s International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences University Partners • University of Hawaii, the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas, University of Jordan and the American University in Beirut • Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University, Various universities coun- trywide $20,730,000 Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Benetech, US-Iraq Business Resources • University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Cameron University, and Langston University Yankee Group Telecoms Planning Countrywide $58,150 VEGA Business Skills Training Countrywide $4,800,000 UNDP Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 World Bank Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 EMERGENCY RELIEF USAID/DCHA/OFDA............................................................................................................................... $97,521,781 AirServ Logistics Countrywide $5,309,876 ARC Capacity building, Disaster support Al Basrah $537,746 The Cuny Center Research studies Countrywide $40,260 GOAL Coordination, Nutrition Al Muthanna’ $1,507,900 IDA Health Countrywide $1,318,437 InterAction Coordination Kuwait City $92,860 IOM IDP programs Countrywide $6,545,780 Logistics Commodities and DART support Countrywide $22,553,653 UNICEF Health, nutrition, water/sanitation Countrywide $4,000,000 UN OCHA Coordination and Information Countrywide $1,200,000 USAID/Jordan Support for emergency water activities Countrywide $500,000 WFP Logistics and pre-positioning of food Countrywide $5,000,000 IMC Food Security, Health, Nutrition, Water/Sanitation, Capacity building Countrywide $16,252,898 USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 15 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 29, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation IRC Health, Water/Sanitation Countrywide $7,800,411 Mercy Corps Health, Non-Food Items, Shelter, Water/Sanitation Countrywide $8,499,786 SCF/US Food Security, Health, Shelter, Nutrition, Non-Food Items, Water/Sanitation, NGO Consortium Countrywide $7,957,783 World Vision Health, Logistics, Non-Food Items, Water/Sanitation Countrywide $6,793,739 CARE Quick-impact projects, Water/Sanitation, Health, Blankets Countrywide $9,000,000 USAID/DCHA/FFP....................................................................................................................................$425,571,000 WFP Operations Countrywide $45,000,000 WFP Emerson Trust – 81,500 MT Countrywide $40,337,000 WFP P.L. 480 Title II emergency food commodities – 163,820 MT Countrywide $140,234,000 WFP Regional Purchase – 330,000 MT Countrywide $200,000,000 USAID/DCHA/OTI................................................................................................................................$214,027,012 IOM Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $7,087,595 DAI Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $195,944,504 Internews Media Countrywide $160,359 Radio SAWA Media Countrywide $400,000 NDI/IRI National Governance Countrywide $650,000 IFES National Governance Countrywide $1,042,315 ICNL Civil Society Countrywide $39,238 Spa War** Inter-Ministry Communications Countrywide $8,703,001 TOTAL USAID ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ IN FY 2003/2004 ...............................................................4,212,375,582 * Figures in funding sheet are subject to change and do not represent a final official accounting of USG obligations. ** For accounting purposes, funding for this activity has been obligated by OFDA under an existing interagency agreement. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 16