الوكالة الأمريكية للتنمية — العراق: نشرة حقائق رقم 48، 8 أيلول 2004 — IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE — 8 أيلول 2004

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE September 8, 2004 This report highlights overall accomplishments and weekly activities from USAID’s reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information on USAID’s programs 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 pro- grams in education, health care, food security, infrastructure reconstruction, airport management, economic growth, community development, democracy and governance, and transition initiatives. Photo: Train on track linking the port of Umm Qasr with a major junction in Al Basrah Governorate. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 2 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Electricity September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities and businesses is critical to the re- establishment of all facets of Iraqi society and is required for sustainable economic growth. Decades of operation without regular maintenance have severely delayed dependable power delivery in Iraq. • Generated a peak of 4,518 MW on October 6, exceeding the capacity gen- erated before the conflict. This was the first major milestone in Iraq’s electrical system reconstruction. Highlights this Week: • Under the Iraq Infrastruc- ture Reconstruction Pro- gram, USAID is working with the Ministries of Oil and Electricity to imple- ment a “fast track” project to utilize a natural gas field for the development of a combustion gas turbine (CGT) power plant. Oper- ating the plant on natural gas fuel rather than on liq- uid fossil fuels allows the Pollutants from a crude oil fired power plant; USAID is initiating a new project to develop a power plant which will utilize natural gas—a cleaner burning fuel Iraqi Government to sell more oil on the open market, which substantially enhances economic development. Natural gas is also a cleaner-burning fuel, which benefits the environment, reduces pollution, and improves public health. The Ministry of Oil has designated several natural gas locations, which in- clude wells that have already been drilled and tested, as suitable for this project. • The installation of a new heat exchanger system at a Basrah Governorate power plant is complete. The plant’s two generators have the potential to produce a total of 48 MW, but have only been producing 20-24 MW due to lack of maintenance and inoperative equipment. The new system will extend the life of the generators as well as increase the output of each by up to 6-10 MW. • 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 580 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 to add 1,980 MW to the na- tional 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. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 2 3 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Water and Sanitation September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Due to years of neglect, electricity shortages and post-war looting, Iraq’s major water and sewage treatment facilities are operating significantly below their full capacity. Water meant for consumption is pumped through the system largely un- treated while raw waste flows untreated directly into city streets, rivers or marsh- lands. Many rural communities are not connected to main water or sewer lines, have no access to potable water and suffer from health problems related to poor sewage disposal. USAID’s goal is to improve the efficiency and reliability of exist- ing 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. Highlights this Week: • USAID has begun work on a sewage system rehabilita- tion project in Baghdad. This new project was re- cently approved, and will improve the wastewater col- lection and distribution ser- vices in a district of Bagh- dad that has many inoper- able pumping stations, poorly functioning sewers, Draining work to rehabilitate a Baghdad sewage system and clogged or collapsed pipes. Under the new pro- ject, USAID will clean, repair, rehabilitate, and construct new sections of the sewage collection system in this Baghdad district as required to elimi- nate sewage pooling in streets, markets, and homes. This will allow sew- age to flow to a local wastewater treatment plant for treatment. • USAID is beginning work on a new rural water initiative that will bring water to rural communities with populations of 1,000 to 5,000. This new project, which falls under USAID’s Iraq Infrastructure Reconstruction Program, will install approximately 150 wells in 300 rural communities. The design of the systems will vary according to the source of water lo- cally as well as the size of the community. However, several standard designs for varying sizes of communities have been developed to reduce design costs. • Nationwide: Repaired various lift stations and treatment units, • Baghdad: Expanding one water treatment plant to increase capacity by flow by more than 50 million gallons per day and reha- bilitating two sewage treat- ment plants. ◊ A major wastewater treatment plant in Baghdad began operating on May 19, 2004; this is the first major plant in the country to operate in over 12 years. ◊ The sewage treatment system, barely functioning for years before the conflict, will be restored to almost 100-percent capacity, serv- ing 80 percent of Bagh- dad’s population. ◊ Standby generators are being installed at 41 Bagh- dad water facilities. • South: Rehabilitating the Sweet Water Canal system, including repairing breaches, cleaning the main reservoir, and refur- bishing 14 water treatment plants around Basrah. ◊ Treated water production at the Sweet Water Canal will increase 100 percent, serving almost 2.1 million. • 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 4 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Airports September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date International and domestic airports constitute an important set of links both within Iraq and between Iraq and the rest of the world. Whether receiving humanitarian supplies, freight, or personnel, or to ensure smooth airfreight and passenger ser- vice, it is important for both operational and symbolic reasons that airports within Iraq be restored to service quickly. • 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. Baghdad International Airport has been refur- bished and repaired with assistance from USAID. Photo: Thomas Hartwell • 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 to pre- pare Al Basrah International Airport for commercial op- erations, including installing VSAT and radio communi- cations; runway, taxiway, and apron striping; and installing baggage x-ray units and a perimeter fence. Seaports Major Accomplishments to Date Effective port operations will allow food and other humanitarian and reconstruc- tion materials and personnel to be delivered smoothly and efficiently. Transporta- tion rehabilitation is the first step in providing assistance and restarting economic growth, allowing for imports, exports, and the transfer of people—helping to re- connect Iraq to the world. A ship unloads at Umm Qasr grain-receiving facility. Photo: USAID • 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 USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 4 5 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Bridges and Roads September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Functional ground transportation, including railroads and bridges, is essential for enabling humanitarian assistance and is a requirement for Iraq’s economic well- being. Left: One of three major bridges repaired by USAID during construction. The work on the bridge is now complete. The project included the installation of a temporary bridges and the reconstruction of the failed spans. • Completed 36 detailed bridge assessments and demolished irreparable sections in preparation for the rehabilitation of three major bridges in Iraq. Two bridges have already been repaired and reopened while the last is set for com- pletion in September. • Repaired a floating bridge over the Tigris 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 Before the conflict, 1.2 million Iraqis subscribed to landline telephone service, and much of Iraq’s telecommunication network was centralized in Baghdad. A large part of the network’s switching component was damaged during the conflict and service was disrupted. 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 sys- tem in Baghdad and restore international telecommunications capability. Workers run cables to the new switching station. USAID partner Bechtel has worked with the Iraqi Telephone and Postal Company to restore landline telephone service and provide a gateway for inter- national telephone service. • 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 with 240,000 lines at 12 sites. • Installed 13 new switches, and fully inte- grated them with the 14 existing switches. • Reactivated more than 209,000 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 6 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Education September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Quality education contributes to equality, stability, economic growth, and im- proved well-being of Iraqi families. For Iraq to prosper, student enrollment, reten- tion, and quality of education in the school system are critical. Working closely with Iraqis and the Ministry of Education (MOE), USAID’s goals are to increase enrollment and improve the quality of primary and secondary education, ensure that classrooms have sufficient materials, facilitate community involvement, train teachers, implement accelerated learning programs, and establish partnerships between U.S. and Iraqi colleges and universities. • Facilities ◊ Awarded 627 grants worth more than $6 million to rehabilitate schools and equip Directorates General. ◊ Rehabilitated 2,405 schools countrywide. • Supplies Highlights this Week: • Twenty-two Iraqi university presidents have returned from a week-long conference in Amman, Jordan on Iraq’s higher education system. For most of the Iraqi university presidents, it was their first trip to visit aca- demic institutions outside of Iraq in over a decade. Working sessions at the conference were led by American and Jordanian experts and in- cluded updates on technology in administration and instruction as well as strategic planning for the future revitalization of higher education. • From August 15-19, more than 100 faculty members from six Iraqi col- leges of agriculture participated in a professional workshop in Amman, Jordan hosted by a Jordanian university and supported by USAID. Workshop activities included presentations from American and Jorda- nian university faculty on the development of agricultural higher educa- tion as well as discussion sessions for Iraqi and international faculty on teaching, research, and extension. • More than 60 law school faculty, including 4 deans, participated in the first of a series of seminars on rule of law in northern Iraq this week. The seminar focused on the topic of legal ethics and how it relates to building a society founded upon the principle of rule of law. Each of the three days focused on a different sector of the legal profession, including ethics in law, in the judiciary, and in legal education. The event marked the first visit for deans from central and southern Iraqi law colleges to this northern Iraqi university; nearly 30 law faculty from central and southern Iraq attended. The workshop was hosted by an Iraqi university college of law and supported by USAID’s Higher Education and Devel- opment (HEAD) Program for Iraq. ◊ Distributed desks, chairs, cabinets, chalkboards, and kits for primary and secon- dary schools countrywide. ◊ 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- riculum. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 6 7 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Health September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Health conditions in Iraq deteriorated substantially under Saddam Hussein due to health policy priorities and budgetary allocations that did not reflect the burden of disease. During the 1990s funds available for health were reduced by up to 90 per- cent. By 2003 health in Iraq was among the poorest in the region, with almost a third of the children in southern and central Iraq suffering from malnutrition. Low breastfeeding rates and birth weights, diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, high fertility rates, anemia, and lack of care for childhood diseases, pregnancy, and de- livery contributed to high infant, child, and maternal mortality rates. Malaria, cholera, and leishmaniasis are other health problems which affect certain parts of Iraq. Highlights this Week: • More than 350 rep- resentatives from the Ministries of Health and Higher Education partici- pated in a national conference organ- ized by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on August 30 and 31. The conference re- viewed the current Participants at the Ministry of Health national conference health situation in Iraq and future strategies for health reform. Conference participants spent much of their time in working group sessions, formulating strategic plans to improve care delivery. Much of the discussion was based on a strategy titled Vision for the Iraq Health System prepared as part of USAID’s Iraq Health Systems Strengthening (IHSS) Program. • 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 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. • Renovated 110 primary health care centers. • Procured 600 medical equipment kits for primary health care centers; 200 kits have been delivered. • Provided vaccines and cold chain equipment to selected health centers. • Developed a national plan for the fortification of wheat flour with iron and folic acid. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 7 8 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Economic Governance September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Sound economic governance is essential for any country maintaining or developing a modern, market-oriented economy. USAID supports sustainable economic re- forms in Iraq including examining and reforming laws, regulations, and institutions and providing a framework for private sector trade, commerce, and investment. The reforms will strengthen the Central Bank and the key Ministries of Finance, Trade, Commerce and Industry—among others. Substantial efforts are also ex- pected for strengthening the regulatory framework and economic governance of telecommunications, power and other utilities. • Worked with 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- Ministry of Finance entering data into the FMIS eting and lending activities 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- laboration with the CPA and the UK Customs Service; this levy imposes a five percent tariff on imports to Iraq. • Developed a government- wide 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 9 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Agriculture September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date Agriculture has declined as a result of years of repressive government policies and conflicts. Reduced farm productivity cannot provide a dependable supply of food for cities and income for the rural population. Over half of Iraq’s total food re- quirements are imported, and a large part of the population is dependent on gov- ernment-financed food rations for survival. To rehabilitate agricultural infrastruc- ture, increase productivity, and restore services, USAID is working in conjunction with Iraqi ministries, the private sector, and higher education institutions to revi- talize agricultural production, stimulate income and employment generation, nur- ture rural initiatives, and rehabilitate the natural resource base. • Summer and Winter Crop Technology Demonstrations: These demonstrations are introducing farmers to new technologies and techniques through extension field days. • Animal Health: Several veterinary clinics in Kirkuk, Fallujah, and other cities are being renovated and a grant has been made for dipping tanks to improve sheep Highlights this Week: • The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and USAID’s Agricul- ture Reconstruction and Develop- ment Program for Iraq (ARDI) are working together to develop a wheat production campaign. The campaign aims to replace a por- tion of imports with more effi- cient domestic production. A second goal is to increase em- ployment and incomes for farm- ers throughout Iraq. Wheat field in central Iraq • The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is developing strategies to increase the production of fruits and vegetables in Iraq. An investment in research is needed to support a significant increase in production. The MOA will implement this program with technical assistance from USAID. • The Ministry of Agriculture is expanding its extension services program to 36 villages throughout Sulaymaniyah Governorate following a suc- cessful pilot extension program conducted in two villages in late spring, 2004. 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. • Date Palm Propagation: In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, 40,000 elite date palm off- shoots are being used to establish mother orchards in 13 governorates as part of a multiplication program and the establishment of a na- tional register of elite varie- ties. • 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 will re-equip three agricultural extension centers in northern Iraq. These centers are used to train farmers in agricultural techniques and technologies to improve crop productivity. The centers currently employ 24 extension agents who train about 400 individuals in the field each year. Extension agents work in the areas of plant protection, soils, agron- omy and animal resources. The centers will use the new equipment to conduct their duties and provide programs to support the agricultural de- velopment of the region. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 9 10 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Marshlands September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date In the 1990s, Iraq’s marshlands—one of the world’s largest wetland ecosystems— were destroyed. Marshes were drained, biodiversity was compromised, and the local population was displaced. USAID’s $4 million initiative works with local residents in support of marshland restoration and the social and economic devel- opment of marsh communities. Highlights this Week: • Assistance for Iraq’s marsh dwellers continues through USAID’s Iraq Marshland Restoration Program. This program is coordinated with the Ministry of Water Resources and Iraqi and international organizations to improve marshland areas in southern Iraq. ◊ A marshlands agriculture team is continuing visits to the summer crop demonstrations of sorghum established on 42.5 hectares of land in Basrah, Dhi Qar, and Maysan Governorates. Recent visits showed ex- ceptional plant growth of over 75 cm. ◊ Fifteen new sites have been identified for new alfalfa demonstration plots in Maysan and Dhi Qar Governorates. ◊ A recent assessment by the Marshlands program showed that the body condition and milk content of cows improved significantly when they were fed alfalfa grown in the first planting. • Marshland restoration activities have included surveys, pilot sites, flow and marsh hydrology modeling, and infrastructure needs assessments. • Produced a technical assessment in June 2003 in collaboration with 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 Major Accomplishments to Date 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 citi- zens—an important task considering that before the war 60 percent of Iraqis were dependent on monthly food rations as their major source of food, and more than 80 percent were food insecure without the ration. Below: A truck delivers food aid in Southern Iraq shortly after the 2003 conflict. • Worked directly with the 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 with 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 11 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Local Governance September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date After years of tyranny, Iraqis are laying the foundations on which a democratic national government can rest. Effective local governance is vital, as it encourages citizen participation, fosters dialogue and efficiently delivers essential services. USAID’s Local Governance objectives include: promoting diverse and representa- tive citizen participation in provincial, municipal and local councils; strengthening the management skills of city and provincial administrations, local interim repre- sentative bodies, and civic institutions to improve the delivery of essential services; promoting effective advocacy and participation of civil society organizations; en- hancing leadership skills; and serving as a recruiting tool for future leaders. Highlights this Week: • Two drip irrigation systems were installed in Qadisiyah Governorate through the collaborative efforts of Al Qadisiyah local government ag- riculture staff, representatives from a farmer’s association, and Local Governance Program (LGP) staff. This is a collaborative effort be- Drip irrigation system installation tween USAID’s LGP and the Agri- culture Program for Iraq (ARDI). LGP is providing technical advisors and ARDI is funding the program with a $3,500 grant. • On August 24, the replacement of a water distribution system was com- pleted in a low-income area in Al Qadisiyah. The project has helped pro- vide potable water to more than 700 homes in the area. • Local government officials have initiated eight community development projects in Babil. The new projects include: the construction of a canal and a potable water line extension; the rehabilitation and construction of soccer fields and playgrounds; and street light installation. • A regional training program is being prepared for the staff of Treasury and Board of Supreme Audit (BSA) offices in southern Iraqi gover- norates. USAID’s Local Governance Program (LGP) is now conducting baseline assessments of regional staff members’ training and technical assistance needs. • Eight members of the Babil Governorate Council participated in elec- tions training on August 24. The training was conducted by USAID’s Local Governance Program (LGP) to prepare the council to supervise local elections. • Established regional of- fices in Al Basrah, Al Hillah, Baghdad, and Mosul with local offices established in 17 out of 18 governorates and operations in all gover- norates. • 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, sanitation, 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 elections, 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 23,500 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 12 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Community Action Program September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID is meeting critical community needs and fostering citizen involvement through the Community Action Program (CAP) which works at the grassroots level in rural and urban communities nationwide to promote democracy and prevent and mitigate conflict by empowering people across gender, ethnic, and religious lines. Working directly through partner NGOs with communities and in consultation with local government representatives, USAID is creating representative, participatory community groups to identify critical priorities and implement programs to address those needs. Highlights this week: • USAID’s Community Action Program (CAP) is providing training and mentoring opportunities for local staff members to ensure their full inte- gration into the planning and management of the program. Iraqis are now acting as the program coordinators, increasing its legitimacy and facilitating collaboration with local communities. This exercise will be monitored closely by the project officers to ensure that it will deal com- prehensively with improving skills and preparing local staff to shoulder greater responsibilities in the near future. • The heads of fourteen community action groups in Al Basrah Gover- norate have come together to organize summer camps for school chil- dren and youth. As a first step, 30 volunteers from a local NGO are be- ing trained to support this project. The project is being implemented in 14 schools. The camps will last three weeks and benefit approximately 2,100 youth and school children. • USAID has committed over $92 million to 1,966 projects while Iraqi communities 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 with 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 with sewage and water services, improved schools, and repaired vital 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 with 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 13 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Transition Initiatives September 8, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) supports critical actions that build and sustain Iraqi confidence in the transition to a participatory, stable, and democ- ratic country. OTI identifies and fills crucial gaps in U.S. government assistance efforts and increases Iraqi support for the transition by providing quick-dispensing, high-impact grants. OTI’s fast-paced assistance meets critical needs—providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, in- creasing Iraqi access to information and communication, and encouraging protec- tion of human rights. Highlights this Week: • A USAID Iraq Transition Initia- tive (ITI) grant for $5,000 was made to build the capacity of a network of NGOs and emerging organizations. The ITI grant covered the printing and distri- bution of a booklet, How to Es- tablish a Nongovernmental Or- ganization. • An independent NGO in north- Teacher and student during an art workshop supported by USAID ern Iraq has received computers and office equipment to provide professional development training to public officials. The NGO will provide executive education for senior government officials and technical training for managers. The $51,500 grant from ITI will provide office equipment and furniture. • A youth organization recently held an art festival with the assistance of a grant from ITI. An ITI grant for $14,000 provided the materials and lo- gistical support necessary to hold the festival. • A women’s organization in a central Iraqi city is receiving a grant from ITI to create a safe place for women to gather. The ITI grant for $99,990 will renovate a building where the center will be located and allow the group to begin operations. • Small and medium-sized businesses in northern Iraq now have access to a newly renovated and outfitted business support center through support from USAID. This non-profit center provides business consulting, incu- bator services and financing. An Iraq Transition Initiative grant for $75,000 renovated the building where the center is located and provided office equipment and furniture. • Awarded more than 1,600 small grants totaling more than $121.6 million for quick impact activities that support good governance, civil soci- ety, conflict management and mitigation, human rights and transitional justice. • Supporting initiatives crucial to the democ- ratic transition, including civic education, civil society and media de- velopment, increased women’s participation, conflict mitigation and transitional jus- tice. Groups targeted for assistance include women’s and youth groups, professional associations and hu- man rights organiza- tions. • Met critical needs during and immediately after the conflict by providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, increasing Iraqi access to information and com- munication and encour- aging protection of human rights. • Funded over 60 grants totaling $3 mil- lion that focus on women’s issues, includ- ing supporting the es- tablishment of 14 women’s centers in Iraq. Rehabilitated over 264 Iraqi national minis- tries, schools, clinics and other municipal buildings. Supporting 65 Iraqi groups in docu- menting human rights abuses of the Ba’athist regime and promoting peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 13 14 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 8, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Amount RECONSTRUCTION USAID/ANE..........................................................................................................................Subtotal: $3,471,492,418 Abt Associates Health Countrywide $22,624,704 AFCAP Logistics Countrywide $91,500,000 Army Corps of Engineers Architecture and Engineering services Countrywide $22,000,000 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 Dhi Qar Al Basrah Maysan $4,000,000 DAI Agriculture Countrywide $9,352,912 Fed Source Personnel Support Countrywide $163,572 IRG Reconstruction Support Countrywide $51,698,152 RTI Local Governance Countrywide $236,911,000 America’s Development Foundation Civil Society Countrywide $42,880,157 CAII Education Countrywide $56,503,000 CAII II Education II Countrywide $51,809,000 CEPPS Education Activities in Support of Electoral Processes Countrywide $18,725,000 CEPPS Iraq Governing Council Countrywide $675,000 CEPPS Transitional Government Countrywide $20,700,000 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 USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 14 15 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 8, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Amount 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 University Partners • 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 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, 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 Various universities countrywide $20,730,000 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..............................................................................................................................$112,300,477 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $7,389,348 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 16 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary September 8, 2004 FY 2003-2004* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Amount 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....................................................................................................................................$179,100,299 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $7,042,126 IOM Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $7,087,595 DAI Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $153,974,605 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 ...............................................................4,188,463,134 * 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