الوكالة الأمريكية للتنمية — العراق: نشرة حقائق رقم 31، 2 حزيران 2005

RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE June 2, 2005 Repairs to a water treatment plant in Diyala governorate will supply potable water to 60,000 residents. Contents: Electricity ...........................................................2 Water and Sanitation.........................................3 Economic Governance ......................................4 Agriculture.........................................................5 National Governance......................................... 6 Community Action Program ........................... 7 Transition Initiatives ....................................... 8 Education ....................................................... 9 Completed Activities....................................... 10 Financial Summary ........................................ 11 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, nongovernmental organizations and private sector partners. This report highlights USAID’s overall accomplishments and recent reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information, please visit www.usaid.gov/iraq. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WWW.USAID.GOV MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE Foundation Installation for a Rehabilitated Substation ELECTRICITY 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 2003 to restore the capacity of Iraq’s power system. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK USAID partners implementing the rehabilitation of Baghdad’s power distribution substations are fo- cusing their efforts on completing work at eight high priority summer response city substations in order to increase reliable power by the end of June 2005. The two Iraqi sub- contractors are making good pro- gress and have completed the in- stallation of one of the mobile sub- stations. Electrical demand is increasing in Baghdad as a result of heightened economic activity and higher temperatures after the milder spring months. The city’s existing electrical distribution infrastructure is currently overloaded and must be upgraded to service this larger load. The rehabilita- tion project will restore and expand greater Baghdad’s deteriorating electrical distribution substation network resulting in a more reliable electrical distribu- tion network that will service the Ministry of Electricity’s present load de- mands. USAID has provided equipment for 37 sites total, of which Bechtel and its sub- contractors are working at 25 sites and Ministry of Electricity (MoE) at 12. Some of these new facilities will replace existing substations while others are expansions of the distribution network. Four mobile substations are being pro- vided to support substation loads while the stations are rehabilitated. Typical substation components to be rehabilitated or installed are transform- ers, switchgear, battery back-up systems, and remote terminal units. Addition- ally, operations and maintenance training will be provided for Ministry of Elec- tricity staff (ME). This portion of the Iraq Infrastructure Rehabilitation program is expected to be completed by December 2005. The refurbishment of two units at a large thermal power station in south Baghdad is nearly complete. This project will add 320 MW of capacity to Iraq’s national power grid when finished. Current activities include work on the turbine and the Digital Control System, alignment of Cold Reheat piping, and the turbine/generator final alignment. This activity, which is now 94% complete, is refurbishing two steam turbine generation units at the power station and covers the rehabilitation of both tur- bines, replacement of boiler and turbine controls with a modern, sustainable system, and refurbishment of the 132kV switchyard. The project also includes rehabilitation of water intake screens, auxiliary mechanical equipment and electrical equipment, electrical cabling, electrical raceways, cable trays and control systems. June 2, 2005 • By October, 2003, rehabilitated electric power capacity to pro- duce peak capacity greater than the pre-war level of 4,400 MW. Production reached 5,365 MW on August 18, 2004. • Since achieving record power production in Summer ‘04, the Ministry of Electricity—with as- sistance from USAID—has be- gun the standard Fall mainte- nance process which will neces- sarily reduce the amount of power available for consump- tion. USAID worked with the MOE to conduct last Fall’s maintenance program. • Repairing thermal units, replac- ing turbines, rehabilitating the power distribution network, and installing and restoring genera- tors. • USAID has added 685 MW of capacity through maintenance and rehabilitation work, and also repaired a 400 KV transmission line. • USAID and the Ministry of Elec- tricity are working with partners to place an additional 792 MW in the national grid by Decem- ber 2005 through maintenance, rehabilitation, and new genera- tion projects. • USAID completed a project to convert two units that produce 80 MW each to operate on crude/heavy fuel oil instead of diesel which is in short supply. • USAID initiated a project to re- habilitate 13 existing substa- tions 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 recently handed over work on 12 of these sub- stations to the Ministry of Elec- tricity. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 2 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE WATER AND SANITATION USAID’s goal is to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing water and wastewater treatment facilities, especially those in the south where water quantity and quality are particularly low. An anticipated 11.8 million Iraqis will benefit from USAID’s $600 million in water and sanitation projects. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK The rehabilitation of water and sew- age treatment plants serving a rural community in Diyala Governorate is nearly complete. Repairs to the sew- age treatment plant are complete; how- ever, the final delivery of electrical and fuel supplies is necessary for plant op- erations to begin. To ensure the plant’s optimum efficiency, engineers also installed a new settlement tank and overhauled its standby diesel gen- erator. Repairs to water and sewage treatment plants in the Diyala governorate near completion. These plants will supply Repairs to the water treatment plant clean, potable water to a community of are in their final stages. Three new 60,000 residents. compact units will be installed for a to- tal capacity of 3.8 MGD, meeting the needs of the region’s 60,000 residents. Mechanical work has been completed for three units and hydro testing is cur- rently being conducted on the tanks of two water treatment units. Both plants required extensive rehabilitation and expansion to better serve the residents of the region. The water treatment plant was operating well below capacity, providing only 33 percent of the potable water needed. As a result, many residents relied on untreated well water that was contaminated by canal water. With the new repairs, these water and sewage treatment plants will supply the community with clean healthy potable water and a functioning sew- age system. June 2, 2005 • Nationwide: Repaired various sewage lift stations and water treatment units. • Baghdad: Expanding and reha- bilitating one water treatment plant and constructing another to increase capacity by approxi- mately 120 million gallons per day; rehabilitating sewage treat- ment plants. − A major wastewater treatment plant in Baghdad began operat- ing in June of 2004; this is the first major sewage plant in the country to operate in over 12 years. − The sewage treatment system in Baghdad, barely functioning for years before the conflict, will be restored to almost 100- percent capacity, serving 80 percent of Baghdad’s popula- tion. − Standby generators are being installed at 41 Baghdad water facilities. • South: Rehabilitated parts of the Sweet Water Canal system, including repairing breaches, cleaning the main reservoir, and refurbished 14 water treatment plants around Basrah serving 1.75 million people. • South Central: Rehabilitating two water plants and four sew- age plants. − Completed the rehabilitation of a sewage plant in Babil Gover- norate. − Sewage plants in An Najaf, Al Qadisiyah, Karbala, and Babil Governorates will serve 440,000 upon completion. − Water treatment in Najaf and Babil will serve residents and visitors at Iraq’s holiest shrines. • North: Completed rehabilitation of Kirkuk water plant and con- tinuing refurbishment of sewage plant near Mosul. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 3 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE USAID supports sustainable economic reforms 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 Ministries of Finance, Trade, Commerce and Indus- try—among others. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK USAID’s Private Sector Development project (PSD) recently completed a study that identified 200 top U.S. companies with operations in the Mid- dle East. The study will be a key information source for targeting appropriate companies that are likely to be interested in opening operations or investing in Iraq. A comprehensive database was produced based on the study results that in- cludes the details of the operations, services and products of these compa- nies as well as the contact information for the person in the organization with responsibility for Middle East operations. The database will be an important resource for the new Iraqi Investment Promotion Agency, which the govern- ment is creating in order to consolidate investment promotion activities across Iraq. PSD is working to help Iraqi business leaders become more familiar with the accounting and audit practices of the world’s leading corporations. Major public firms from the United States, Germany and the Netherlands were solicited by the project to share public information about their auditing stan- dards, financial disclosure practices, and annual reports in order to illustrate how multi-national firms operate in today’s world. The first shipment of these reports was recently delivered by the project to a number of universities, pro- fessional societies, and Chambers of Commerce in central Iraq, where they will be used as models of financial reporting for Iraqi firms. PSD sponsored four Iraqi government officials to participate in the re- cent Rebuild Iraq 2005 Expo and Conference in Amman, Jordan. The delegation included two investment promotion officials from the Ministry of Planning and two from the Ministry of Industry and Minerals. The purpose of the trip was to familiarize the officials with prospective inves- tors’ interests and requirements for making investments in Iraq, which will help expand the economy and create sustainable jobs. The four-day Expo brought together buyers, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, providing them with direct access to project directors, government officials and a variety of decision-makers involved in the economic rebirth of Iraq. While in Amman, the delegation also participated in a two-day “Doing Busi- ness in Iraq” conference that included leading Iraqi government officials and private sector investors. A highlight of the trip was a personal orientation and tour of the Jordan Invest- ment Board, one of the top investment promotion agencies in the Middle East. Following the visit, one participant said the tour had brought about a “new per- spective for Iraq and the eagerness of the whole world to participate in re- building it.” June 2, 2005 • Developed WTO Accession Roadmap in cooperation with Iraqi officials. • Provided technical assistance as well as information on con- tracting opportunities for Iraqi businesses and entrepreneurs through business centers. • Worked with the Ministry of Fi- nance to introduce the new Iraqi dinar. • Created more than 77,000 pub- lic works jobs through the Na- tional Employment Program. • Provided technical assistance on accounting, budgeting and lending activities at Iraq’s com- mercial banks. Trained 116 bankers from the Rafidain and Rasheed banks in six training courses. • Assisted in management of $21 million micro-credit program. • Improved statistical analysis, monetary policymaking, and bank supervision procedures at Iraq’s Central Bank; offered a two-week banking course to Central Bank staff with the Fed- eral Reserve Bank of New York. • Evaluated and updated com- mercial laws on private sector and foreign investment. • Assisted in developing the five percent reconstruction levy on imports; built capacity of cus- toms officials to implement levy. • Developed a government-wide IT strategy to support the auto- mation of planning, budgeting and reporting processes across ministries. • Provided technical support 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 mil- lion USD) in shares were traded in the first day. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 4 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE • Summer and Winter Crop Technology Demonstrations: These demonstrations are intro- ducing farmers to new technolo- gies and techniques through extension field days. • Animal Health: Several veteri- nary clinics in Kirkuk, Fallujah, and other cities are being reno- vated and a grant has been made for dipping tanks to im- prove sheep health and wool. • Technology Support: The Min- istry of Agriculture and a major university’s schools of Agricul- ture and Veterinary Science have been awarded grants to furnish and equip computer centers, improving research capabilities and consulting ca- pacity. • Date Palm Propagation: In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, 40,000 elite date palm offshoots are being used to establish mother orchards in 13 governorates as part of a multiplication program and the establishment of a national reg- ister of elite varieties. • Agriculture Sector Transition Plan: This plan, completed in mid-April, addresses the short- term recovery of agricultural infrastructure as well as medium and long-term implementation of policies to develop a market- based agricultural economy. AGRICULTURE 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 rehabilitate the natural resource base. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruc- tion and Development for Iraq program recently partnered with an Iraqi farmers’ cooperative that was in need of assistance to improve the pro- vision of services to its members. USAID approved a grant to renovate the cooperative’s training hall; work will begin shortly. As Iraqis continue to rebuild their society, the success of their efforts depends on local entities. Community-based organizations are important supplements to official government institutions and a key component of civil society. The need for these organizations is particularly strong in the agricultural sec- tor. In Iraq, with its thousands of small, often remote villages throughout the countryside, community organizations and NGOs supplement government ex- tension services. These organizations cooperate with government to provide informational materials, training, and other services to farmers. The cooperative that recently partnered with MOA/USAID to renovate their training hall has significant previous experience providing services to local farmers. The organization was established in April 1999 by a group of agricul- tural engineers and farmers with the shared goal of protecting farmers’ rights and developing agriculture. It seeks to achieve this objective by supporting farmers’ solutions to their problems, the introduction of new farming methods, facilitating new training, and encouraging scientific analysis. The MOA is working with USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruction and De- velopment for Iraq program to improve Iraqi crop yields, which are low by international standards. For wheat production, a significant increase can be achieved by improving seed quality. To this end, the MOA and USAID are restoring seed multiplication and certification programs that had fallen apart prior to the 2003 conflict. The seed multiplication project will produce high quality seed for planting next year. MOA/USAID contracted with several farmers to plant 200 hectares of wheat using certified seed and improved production technologies. It is estimated that livestock-raising accounts for 50% of agricultural GDP. Nearly every farm family owns sheep, cattle, or buffalo; veterinary support is vital to the health of these animals. The MOA has an extensive network of veterinary clinics throughout the country. Many of these clinics are in need of rehabilitation, and the MOA and USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruc- tion and Development for Iraq program have planned and implemented a re- habilitation program over the last 18 months. With a new grant recently approved by USAID, MOA/USAID will begin resto- ration of four more clinics. These clinics were in disrepair during the former regime and were rendered largely inoperable in the turmoil following the gov- ernment’s collapse. June 2, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 5 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES • Strengthen the capacity of the legislative branch of the Iraqi interim and transitional govern- ments and its staff during the interim and transition period to include lawmaking, representa- tion, executive oversight, and other responsibilities as pro- vided by the Transitional Admin- istrative Law (TAL) • Assist the Executive Authority, the Presidency Council, and the Council of Ministers and its pre- siding Prime Minister to develop governing processes, rules of procedure, regulations and di- rectives necessary to enforce the laws, and to implement gov- ernment programs and policies • Support the process for adop- tion of an Iraqi constitution that promotes democratic principles and values through the provi- sion of technical assistance that includes, but is not limited to, providing comparative constitu- tional expertise; organizing con- stitutional conferences and con- ventions; facilitating public awareness, education, and par- ticipation; and assisting in the conduct of a national referen- dum or other ratifying mecha- nism. NATIONAL GOVERNANCE In the post-election period, USAID will continue to plan and implement a vari- ety of programs matching the needs of the evolving Iraqi democracy, under- taken in full partnership with Iraqi counterparts. In particular USAID is accel- erating activities in the national governance support area to ensure compre- hensive continued support to the Iraqi democratic transition. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK Iraq Civil Society and Media Support Program (ICSP) activities in the northern Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) are proving very popular with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the area. One example coming from the city of Mosul demonstrates the impact that ICSP activities are having on the CSO sector. A proposal writing workshop was held one day after the assassination of Mosul’s Director General for Anti-Corruption. A total of 29 participants from different ethnicities and religious backgrounds including Muslims, Christians, Azdies, Sabiaa, Arabs and Kurds were involved in this training. The participants refused to postpone the workshop because of the assassination, even though on that day movement was severely restricted for security reasons. Participants refused to allow terror to stop or inhibit the pro- gress of ICSP activities in their community and noted that ICSP is the only program focused on promoting civil society in this violence prone city. ICSP organized workshops to build the capacity of journalists and re- porters to cover civil society organizations and their activities. The Baghdad Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) hosted a two-day forum for Iraqi journalists to debate freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the rights of journalists to perform their jobs in an open society. This forum drew 50 participants, over half of whom were female, and received wide- spread coverage in the media. A USAID partner providing support to the Iraqi National Assembly (INA) conducted the fourth in a series of general orientation sessions for INA members. The session was attended by 17 members of the “Iraqi List” (former Prime Minister Allawi’s list), the United Iraqi Alliance (including al- Dawa party, the National Independent Bloc and Al Fadheela Islamic Party) and independent members of the National Assembly. The program focused on the role of individual members of a legislature in a democratic society and tools to become effective representatives of the people. Topics of special in- terest included basic parliamentary functions and duties, rights and responsi- bilities of members of INA, powers and privileges, interpersonal skills develop- ment, and the importance of information-gathering and tools for public out- reach. The seminar also included a presentation on the role of caucuses. The Iraqi Election Information Network (EIN) recently held the last in their series of regional assessment conferences to determine priorities and planned activities for the year to come. EIN was responsible for field- ing 8,000 monitors during the January elections. The conference was held with the support of USAID’s partner that is working to promote legitimacy and transparency in the electoral process. In early May, 24 EIN members from Southern Iraq—including four Regional Coordinators, EIN head office staff members, and EIN monitors—met to assess monitoring conditions, EIN’s per- formance, and to make recommendations to improve the performance and credibility of the monitoring network during the next elections. Similar confer- ences have already been conducted for north, central, and south-central Iraq. June 2, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 6 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM The Community Action Program works in rural and urban communities to pro- mote democracy and prevent and mitigate conflict. Working directly through partner NGOs 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 Seven trash collection projects were recently completed in Baghdad neighborhoods. Following the work, USAID’s Community Action Pro- gram (CAP) took several steps to help keep the neighborhoods clean in the future. In one district, CAP constructed new garbage containers. The trash collection project in another district included construction of a fence to protect lots that had previously been sites of illegal trash dumping. Through a public information campaign, Community Action Groups in several neighbor- hoods will continue to encourage community members to properly dispose of their trash. The municipality will also continue visiting clean-up sites daily to remove trash from a designated trash bin on a major street. All seven activi- ties were implemented at a total cost of $139,305. Winter temperatures rarely rise above zero in the mountainous areas of As Sulaymaniyah governorate, and very few schools are heated in win- ter, leading some children to skip school rather than sit in the cold and drafty schoolrooms. CAP will help one community in the area to buy 300 kerosene oil stove heaters for one of the towns and the surrounding village schools. The heaters will warm schoolrooms and help draw back students. CAP can serve as a launch pad to higher levels of community service as recently demonstrated by the experience of the chairman of a Commu- nity Action Group (CAG) in southern Iraq who recently became the chairman of his district council. Communities working with CAP form CAGs to prioritize development needs and implement projects that address those needs. In order to be fully successful, CAG members must gain the assistance and support of local government officials, obtain necessary au- thorizations from relevant government bodies, mobilize contributions, and monitor project progress and quality. CAG representatives are deeply in- volved in almost all aspects of project implementation. Several members of CAGs, including the new district council chairman, have moved on to leader- ship positions in government bodies. After the first Gulf War, Ansar al Islam—a Kurdish terrorist organiza- tion—took control of a large area in As Sulaymaniyah on the border with Iran. Women and girls were then restricted in their movement and activities and, for more than a decade, girls rarely continued school after the sixth grade. Now, a small town in the governorate, working with CAP, is helping girls and women regain control of their future with the establishment of a women’s center. The Center will be used for classes in sewing, computers, and rug making. Several Iraqi engineers recently participated in a targeted engineering training program in Serbia and Montenegro that was sponsored by USAID’s Community Revitalization through Democratic Action (CRDA) program in that country. In addition to classroom training, Iraqi engineers spent several days in the field seeing CRDA achievements firsthand. June 2, 2005 • USAID has committed over $131 million to 3,120 projects while Iraqi communities have committed more than 25% of total funding. CAP has established over 600 community action groups (CAGs) in 17 governorates. Five U.S. NGOs each concentrate on a region: north, Baghdad, south- west central, southeast central, and south. • The northern program focuses on the conflict prone areas of the Sunni Triangle, Mosul, Kirkuk and the Iran-Iraq border. The partner NGO has completed 433 projects with over $29 million in project commitments including improving the Tikrit water supply, and devel- oping income generation projects in the north. • In the southwest central region, the partner NGO has established a strong presence in Hillah and the Shi’a holy cities Najaf and Karbala. Emphasis on critical infrastructure needs has improved community water/sanitation ser- vices and schools, and repaired vital social infrastructure. They have completed 322 projects and have over $21.5 million in project commitments. • Income generation is an important emphasis in the Baghdad pro- gram where 522 projects have been completed through CAGs. A marketplace for over 700 vendors is being constructed, and crews are cleaning up medical waste dumps. Total project commit- ments are $22.3 million. • In the southeast central region, 179 projects are complete with a total of $16.7 million in commit- ments. In the Shi’i heartland, these projects address needs resulting from decades of govern- ment neglect and focus on water, sewerage, community clean-up, and school rehabilitation. • The southern program has com- pleted 625 projects with total com- mitments of $21.9 million. Pro- jects have focused on immediate community needs such as sew- age clean up, water treatment and distribution, public health, and girls’ access to education. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 7 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE • Awarded 3,754 small grants totaling $276.5 million for quick impact activities that support good governance, civil society, conflict management and miti- gation, human rights and transi- tional justice. • Funded 105 grants totaling over $4 million that focus on women’s issues, including sup- porting the establishment of 24 women’s centers in Iraq. Reha- bilitated over 264 Iraqi national ministries, schools, clinics and other municipal buildings. Sup- porting 65 Iraqi groups in docu- menting human rights abuses of the Ba’athist regime and pro- moting peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. • Met critical needs during and immediately after the conflict by providing short-term employ- ment, restoring basic govern- ment and community services, increasing Iraqi access to infor- mation and communication and encouraging protection of hu- man rights. TRANSITION INITIATIVES 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 meeting critical needs—providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, increasing access to in- formation and communication, and encouraging protection of human rights. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK Representatives from 25 Iraqi nongovernmental organiza- tions (NGOs) recently attended a management training course that was funded by an Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI) grant. The course was presented by a human rights NGO and included two components. The first com- ponent emphasized civil society and included discussions about democracy, the role of NGOs, civil representation and human rights. The second component focused on organizational devel- opment with workshops on pro- posal writing, fund raising, advo- cacy and financial management. In addition to learning effective ways to manage an NGO, partici- pants also had an opportunity to meet other NGO representatives working in Iraq and to develop cooperative relationships. This course will help build the capacity of civil society organiza- tions to contribute to a stronger democracy in Iraq. In a central Iraqi city, the Ministry of Municipalities acquired 300 safety belts and 1000 uniforms for utilities workers with the support of an ITI grant. The Ministry of Municipalities is responsible for water and sewage ser- vices in the city. Through this assistance, ITI has helped establish a perma- nent presence of municipal workers in the city, demonstrating to local officials the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting a viable local government equipped with the necessary physical infrastructure. The municipal government of a city in central Iraq procured a new gen- erator for their water system with the support of an ITI grant. The city’s potable water system suffered significant damage after recent intense fighting and sabotage. The broken system continued to pump water to an outlying district causing extensive leakage. As a result, standing water accumulated in the city. The new 500KVA generator and submersible pump were connected to wastewater lift stations and provide the necessary power to pump sewage and standing water from the city streets. By restoring this critical service, ITI has encouraged local residents to return to the city, creating a sense of nor- malcy. June 2, 2005 Iraqi NGO managers took part in a manage- ment training course to support their role as leaders in a democratic Iraq. The class also provided them with fundraising, advocacy and financial management tools. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 8 EDUCATION June 2, 2005 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE • 2,457 schools have been rehabili- tated through direct contracting and grants to communities. • Hundreds of thousands of desks, chairs, cabinets, chalkboards, and kits for primary and secondary schools have been distributed countrywide. • Nearly 33,000 secondary school teachers and administrators, in- cluding 860 master trainers, have been trained nationwide. Over the next year, up to 100,000 addi- tional teachers will receive in- service training. • Eighty-four primary and secon- dary schools (four in each gover- norate) are being established to serve as “centers of excellence.” Teachers will receive six weeks of training, and schools will be equipped with computer and sci- ence laboratories. • More than 550 out-of-school youth completed a pilot acceler- ated learning program. An ex- panded program, targeting 50,000 out-of-school youth , will be imple- mented during the 2005–06 school year. • Satellite Internet access and com- puters installed at the Ministry of Education and in all 21 Director- ates of Education. To improve resource management, an Educa- tion Management Information System is being developed. • More than 8.7 million math and science textbooks have been edited, printed, and distributed throughout Iraq. • Partnerships have been estab- lished between five American and ten Iraqi universities. Through these partnerships, more than 1,400 Iraqi faculty and students have participated in workshops, trainings, conferences, and courses in Iraq, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. • University facilities, such as librar- ies, computer and science labora- tories, lecture halls, and buildings, have been rehabilitated at col- leges of law, engineering, medi- cine, archeology, and agriculture. In addition, books and electronic resources have been provided to university libraries. USAID’s goals are to increase enrollment, improve primary and secondary education, ensure classrooms have sufficient supplies, facilitate community involvement, train teachers, implement accelerated learning programs, and establish partnerships between U.S. and Iraqi colleges and universities. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK More results are in from agricultural research conducted by Iraqi scholars with the support of USAID’s Higher Education and Development (HEAD) program. A research grant program en- abled Iraqi scholars to enhance their ex- pertise in agricultural studies. This re- search addresses high priority needs for the Iraqi agriculture industry. The 18 grants awarded ranged from $5,000 to $30,000 (totaling $205,500) and funded equipment, supplies and support services not otherwise available to Iraqi scientists. One of the grants researched solutions to soil erosion, a challenge in Iraq exacer- bated by deforestation, which results in desertification of crop and grazing land. The researchers identified critical areas of erosion in 15 locations. By measuring the elevation and slope, researchers designed structures such as terraces, retaining walls, check dams and wattle fences to help conserve water and soil. These methods can be utilized across Iraq to support more soil conservation efforts and allow Iraq’s diverse geography to regain its fertility. HEAD partner the University of Hawaii recently delivered a shipment of seventeen boxes of current agriculture and forestry publications to strengthen the research resources at two agricultural colleges in Mosul and Dohuk. These publications discuss subjects including soil, agronomy, nutrition, plant protection, agricultural economics, and statistics. The agriculture sector is vital to political stability in Iraq. Today, 40% of Iraqis are directly or indirectly employed by agriculture. Unfortunately, Iraqi agricul- tural science endured years of isolation from the tools and techniques of mod- ern agribusiness. This program enables Iraqi universities to connect farmers with international best practices and modern farming methods. Improved agri- cultural research will allow farmers and agricultural firms to increase crop yields resulting in domestic food security and more profitable exports. Erosion of Iraq’s topsoil causes prime crop and grazing land to be- come barren. Terraced layers and live wattle fences have proven ef- fective in preserving topsoil. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 9 COMPLETED ACTIVITES Since the cessation of the 2003 conflict, USAID has completed their planned work at Umm Qasr Seaport, re- stored significant portions of Iraq’s telecommunications network, rebuilt three major bridges and restored the rail line connecting Umm Qasr with Basra city and points north. USAID also helped avert a humanitarian cri- sis during the conflict by providing assistance to the United Nations’ World Food Program. USAID advisors continue to assist with the management and distribution of food rations for all Iraqi citizens. SEAPORTS • The $45 million program to rehabilitate and improve management at Umm Qasr seaport was completed in June 2004. • Port reopened to commercial traffic on June 17, 2003; completed first passenger vessel test July 16. • Up to 50 ships offload 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 administration building, passenger terminal, customs hall, and electrical substations. TELECOMMUNICATIONS • Audited more than 1,200 km of the fiber optic backbone network and performed emergency repairs, reconnecting 20 cities and 70% of the population. • Reconstituted Baghdad area phone service by installing switches with 240,000 lines at 12 sites. • Installed and fully integrated 13 new switches with 14 existing switches. • Worked with the Ministry of Communications to reactivate more than 215,000 subscriber lines. • Installed a satellite gateway system at Baghdad’s largest telecom exchange and restored international service. • Trained telecom engineers and technicians in the operation and maintenance of the satellite gateway system and the new switches. BRIDGES AND ROADS • Rebuilt three major bridges—Khazir, Tikrit and Al Mat bridges—critical for the movement of people and commercial products throughout the country. • Rebuilt a substantial portion of the Iraqi Republican Railway line connecting Basrah with the port of Umm Qasr includ- ing physical track construction, installing culverts, and repairing gatehouses. The remainder of the work has been handed over to the Ministry of Transportation. This work facilitates the shipment of bulk cargo from the port to Bagh- dad and throughout the country. FOOD SECURITY • Worked directly with the World Food Program (WFP) and Coalition Forces to re-establish the Public Distribution Sys- tem in less than 30 days, avoiding a humanitarian food crisis and providing food security throughout the country. • With Iraqi food distributors, Food for Peace, the WFP, and Coalition Forces maintained deliveries from June through December 2003 in all 18 governorates. • 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. • In partnership with the United States Embassy in Iraq, providing on-going support to the Public Distribution System Working Group to assist the Ministry of Trade with improving PDS management. June 2, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 10 FINANCIAL SUMMARY June 2, 2005 FY 2003-2005* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation Reconstruction USAID/ANE Subtotal: $4,091,739,296 Abt Associates Health Countrywide $23,031,886 AFCAP Logistics Countrywide $91,500,000 America's Develop- ment Foundation Civil Society Countrywide $42,880,157 Army Corps of Eng. Architecture and Engineering Services Countrywide $30,842,037 BearingPoint Economic Governance Countrywide $79,583,885 BearingPoint Economic Governance II Countrywide $103,500,000 Bechtel Airports, buildings, power, railroads, roads, bridges, port, water and sanitation Countrywide $1,029,833,259 Bechtel Infrastructure II: Airports, buildings, emergency communications, power, railroads, roads and bridges, Umm Qasr seaport, water and sanita- tion, Basra Hospital Countrywide $1,386,809,782 CAII Education Countrywide $56,503,000 CAII Education II Countrywide $51,809,000 CEPPS Iraq Governing Council Countrywide $675,000 CEPPS Transitional Government Countrywide $20,700,000 CEPPS Voter Education, Domestic Observation and Con- flict Resolution Countrywide $47,175,000 CEPPS Elections Administration Support Countrywide $40,000,000 CHF Reconstruction Support Countrywide $2,961,228 Comm. Action Pgm. Development in impoverished communities Countrywide $258,820,000 DAI Marshlands South $4,000,000 DAI Agriculture Countrywide $101,352,912 Fed Source Personnel Support Countrywide $300,000 IRG Reconstruction Support Countrywide $52,171,260 Logenix Health North/Central $108,506 Louis Berger Vocational Education Countrywide $75,016,115 Louis Berger Private Sector Development II Countrywide $95,000,000 MSI Monitoring and Evaluation Countrywide $5,284,781 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 11 FINANCIAL SUMMARY June 2, 2005 FY 2003-2004 Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation Partnership for Child Healthcare Health Countrywide $2,000,000 RTI Local Governance Countrywide $241,910,757 RTI Local Governance II Countrywide $70,000,000 RTI Health Training Countrywide 15,000,000 SkyLink Airport Management Bag., Bas., Mos. $27,200,000 SSA Port Management Umm Qasr $14,318,985 UNDP Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 UNESCO Textbook Printing & Distribution: Math & Science Countrywide $10,000,000 UNICEF Health, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $36,700,000 UNICEF Education Countrywide $19,600,000 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 Countrywide $20,730,000 VEGA Business Skills Training Countrywide $12,089,702 VFH Elections Support Countrywide $1,000,000 WHO Strengthen Health System Countrywide $10,000,000 WHO Health Countrywide $1,273,894 World Bank Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 Yankee Group Telecoms Planning Countrywide $58,150 Emergency Relief USAID/DCHA/OFDA...................................................................................Subtotal: $168,653,748 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $8,034,781 AirServ Logistics Countrywide $5,309,876 ARC Capacity Building Al Basrah $537,746 CARE IDP Assistance, Quick-impact projects, Water and Sanita- tion, Health, Emergency Relief Commodities Countrywide $9,043,148 The Cuny Center Research Studies Countrywide $40,260 GOAL Coordination, Nutrition Al Muthanna $1,507,900 InterAction Coordination Kuwait City $92,860 IDA Health Countrywide $1,318,437 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 12 FINANCIAL SUMMARY June 2, 2005 FY 2003-2004 Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation IMC Health, IDP Assistance, Food Security, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Capacity Building Countrywide $30,952,898 IOM IDP Assistance Countrywide $18,392,470 IRC IDP Assistance, Health, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $8,000,411 IRD IDP Assistance, Health, Water and Sanitation Northern Iraq $15,000,000 Logistics Emergency Relief Commodities and USAID/DART Support Countrywide $22,771,653 Mercy Corps IDP Assistance, Health, Emergency Relief Commodities, Shelter, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $22,199,786 SCF/US Food Security, Health, IDP Assistance, Shelter, Nutrition, Emergency Relief Commodities, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $7,957,783 UNICEF Health, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $4,000,000 OCHA Coordination and Information Countrywide $1,200,000 USAID/Jordan Support for Emergency Water Activities Countrywide $500,000 WFP Food Security, Logistics Countrywide $5,000,000 World Vision Health, Logistics, Emergency Relief , Water and Sanitation Countrywide $6,793,739 USAID/DCHA/FFP.......................................................................................Subtotal: $425,571,000 WFP Operations Countrywide $45,000,000 WFP Emerson Trust—81,500 MT Countrywide $40,337,000 WFP P.L. 48– Title II emergency food commodities—163,820 MT Countrywide $140,234,000 WFP Regional Purchase—330,000MT Countrywide $200,000,000 USAID/DCHA/OTI........................................................................................Subtotal: $382,314,211 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $10,356,746 IOM Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $6,462,167 DAI Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $344,500,376 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 FROM 2003-2005............................................................$5,068,278,255 * 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. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 13