USAID Iraq: Fact sheet no. 3, 21 October 2004

IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE October 21, 2004 This report highlights overall accomplishments and weekly activities from USAID’s reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information please visit www.usaid.gov/iraq. Contents: Electricity ...................................................... 2 Water and Sanitation .................................... 3 Airports.......................................................... 4 Bridges, Roads, and Railroads.................... 4 Education ...................................................... 5 Health............................................................. 6 Economic Governance................................. 7 Agriculture ..................................................... 8 Local Governance ......................................... 9 Community Action Program.........................10 Humanitarian Assistance .............................11 Completed Activities.....................................12 Financial Summary .......................................13 USAID assists Iraqis in reconstructing their country by working with Iraq’s Interim Government. Programs are implemented in coordination with the United Nations, country partners, nongovern- mental organizations, and private sector partners. The USAID mission in Iraq carries out programs in education, health care, food security, infrastructure reconstruction, airport management, economic growth, community development, democracy and governance, and transition initiatives. Photo: Maize crop technology demonstration inspections in At' Tamim Governorate USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Electricity October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals include the emergency repair or rehabilitation of power genera- tion facilities and electrical grids. Teams of engineers from the Ministry of Electricity, USAID, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been working since May of 2003 to restore capacity to Iraq’s power system. • By October, 2003, reha- bilitated electric power ca- pacity to produce peak ca- pacity greater than the pre- war level of 4,400 MW. Now producing daily peaks in excess of 5,000 MW. Hit Highlights this week: • USAID’s rehabilitation project at a Baghdad power plant is approxi- mately 80 percent com- plete and is expected to be complete in the first quar- ter of 2005. USAID is rehabilitating two units (units 5 and 6) at this plant, which had not been in service since the start of the conflict. The scope of the project covers rehabili- tation of both turbines and Unit being rehabilitated by USAID in central Iraq; upon the comple- tion of all work, the two rehabilitated units will generate 300 MW replacement of the boiler and turbine controls with a modern, sustainable system as well as the refurbishment of the 132kV switch- yard. Recently, the testing of the unit 5 condenser was successful, and unit 6 equipment was shipped abroad for repairs and is expected to be completed shortly. Additionally, work on the plant’s switchyard is continuing and is about 75 percent complete. ◊ The rehabilitation work at this plant is one of the most important electrical generation projects managed by USAID and its partners. Once running, the units being rehabilitated by USAID are expected to produce a total of 300 MW. The other two thermal power generation units at the plant produce about 100 MW each, while the three operating gas turbine units each produce about 20 MW. 5,365 MW on August 18, 2004. • In summer 2004, after months of power reduction for unit maintenance, gen- eration began steadily in- creasing. • Repairing thermal units, replacing turbines, rehabili- tating the power distribution network, and installing and restoring generators. • USAID has added 435 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 with partners to add a total of more than 1,281 MW to the national grid by December 2005 through maintenance, rehabilitation, and new gen- eration projects. • USAID completed a pro- ject to convert two units that produce 80 MW each to operate on crude/heavy fuel oil instead of diesel which is imported and in short sup- ply. • 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 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Water and Sanitation October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing water and wastewater treatment facilities, especially those in the south where water quan- tity and quality are particularly low. An anticipated 11.8 million Iraqis will benefit from USAID’s $600 million in water and sanitation projects. Highlights this week: • Rehabilitation projects at two major waste- water treatment plants in central Iraq are progressing; the plants are expected to be- gin operating next month. At the Al Qadisi- yah Governorate plant, mechanical and electrical work is about 80% complete. The plant fell into disrepair after years of poor maintenance and a lack of spare parts. Upon the work’s completion, the plant will A wastewater treatment facility in central Iraq being rehabilitated by USAID serve approximately 80,000 local residents. ◊ At USAID’s wastewater treatment plant restoration project in Babil Gover- norate, work is about 80 percent complete and the subcontractor is installing new mechanical equipment and testing the electrical system. This plant was in poor repair before the rehabilitation work and was no longer in service. Once this plant is completed, it will serve approximately 53,000 individuals. • A new project to rehabilitate the sewage system in an economically depressed Baghdad neighborhood is fully underway and approximately 10 percent com- plete. Many areas of this neighborhood have inoperable pump stations, sew- ers, and other wastewater collection and conveyance services. The collection system is nearly inoperabl due to collapsed pipes and blockages from trash or solids. These problems are causing serious health concerns in the local popu- lation, such as typhoid, cholera, diphtheria, and malaria. Testing, training, and commissioning of the network is scheduled for August 2005. • Construction for USAID’s new water system rehabilitation and modelling pro- ject in a turbulent neighbourhood of Baghdad has begun, marking the first steps toward improving the quantity of potable water delivered in the city. Currently, water losses in the Baghdad municipal water system run at approxi- mately 60 percent. This is equivalent to three times the acceptable level of loss in the United States. These losses are primarily due to leaks in the system, ille- gal buildings, and un-metered use such as government buildings and fire pro- tections. These losses, along with failed water mains, result in extremely low water pressure and contaminated water. The latter causes outbreaks of ty- phoid, cholera, and hepatitis in some of Baghdad’s poorest and most conflic- tive neighbourhoods. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2005 and will benefit approximately 2.5 million city residents. • Nationwide: Repaired various lift stations and treatment units. • Baghdad: Expanding one water treatment plant to increase capacity by ap- proximately 50 million gal- lons per day and rehabilitat- ing sewage treatment plants. ◊ A major wastewater treatment plant in Baghdad began operating 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 ca- pacity, serving 80 percent of Baghdad’s population. ◊ Standby generators are being installed at 41 Bagh- dad water facilities. • South: Rehabilitating parts of the Sweet Water Canal system, including repairing breaches, clean- ing the main reservoir, and refurbishing 14 water treat- ment plants around Basrah serving 1.75 million people. • South Central: Rehabili- tating two water plants and four sewage plants. ◊ Sewage plants in An Najaf, Al Qadisiyah, Kar- bala’, and Babil Gover- norates will serve 440,000. ◊ Water treatment in Najaf and Babil will serve resi- dents and visitors at Iraq’s holiest shrines. • North: Rehabilitating two water plants and one sew- age plant near Mosul and Kirkuk. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 3 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Airports October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to provide material and personnel for the repair of airport facili- ties, rehabilitate airport terminals, facilitate humanitarian and commercial flights, and assist the Iraqi Airport Commission Authority. • Flights have been arriv- ing and departing Baghdad International Airport since July 2003. BIAP is process- ing an average of 45 non- military arrivals and depar- tures daily. Efforts are continuing to rehabilitate Baghdad International Airport with assistance from USAID. Photos: Thomas Hart- well • 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 adding power generators. • 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. Work to rehabilitate the water and wastewater treat- ment facilities are almost complete. Railroads, Roads & Bridges Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goal is to rebuild major transportation routes that were damaged or ne- glected in order to restore the flow of goods and services. Right: Vehicles line up to cross the damaged Khazir Bridge in 2003 Below: Tikrit Bridge in 2003 USAID completed the reconstruction of three major bridges in Iraq under the Iraq Infrastructure Recon- struction Project. The bridges link Baghdad to ma- jor cities in the North as well as neighboring coun- tries and their repair will allow for goods—including humanitarian aid—to move quickly and effectively. ◊ Work on Al Mat Bridge was completed in Feb- ruary, 2004 ◊ Work on Khazir Bridge was completed in May, 2004 ◊ Work on Tikrit Bridge was completed in Sep- tember, 2004 • Completed 36 detailed bridge assessments and demolished irreparable sections in preparation for the rehabilitation of three major bridges in Iraq. All three bridges have now been repaired and re- opened to traffic. • Repaired a floating bridge over the 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. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 4 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Education October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals are to increase enrollment, improve the quality of primary and secondary education, ensure classrooms have sufficient supplies, facilitate com- munity involvement, train teachers, implement accelerated learning programs, and establish partnerships between U.S. and Iraqi colleges and universities. Highlights this week: Higher Education • Agricultural colleges in northern Iraq working with USAID’s Higher Educa- tion and Development (HEAD) program are reporting progress through the agricultural sciences university partnership. Recently, USAID’s HEAD advi- sor met with university representatives to monitor developments in this part- nership which is led by the University Hawaii. The universities are conducting an applied research project to increase the meat and milk production from cat- tle and meat, milk, and wool production from sheep. • The installation of TEEAL (The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library) at an Iraqi university has greatly enhanced research facilities for staff and stu- dents. Iraqi faculty and students also have access to the University of Hawaii’s research library through retrieval services provided by the library’s staff. • From September 7 to 29, seven scientists from four Iraqi universities partici- pated in a training program in Egypt on animal science research. This training program was facilitated by the HEAD program. • Faculty members from several Iraqi universities are attending seminars both in Iraq and in the United States on environmental research with support from the HEAD program. Recently, seminars were held for engineering faculty and en- vironmental researchers on environmental management, implementation, and analysis. The seminars also provide the opportunity for Iraqi academics to meet with their U.S. counterparts. Primary and Secondary Education • From September 18 to 30, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and USAID part- ner UNESCO conducted a training course on textbook distribution and storage for 44 participants in Baghdad. The participants represented all of Iraq’s 18 governorates, and included employees of the central MOE, employees working in textbook distribution, as well as Education Office administrative employees. This training was supported by a $10 million grant from USAID to UNESCO, approved in March 2003. During the first year of the grant, 8.7 million text- books were reviewed, printed, and distributed throughout Iraq. This initiative was completed in early 2004. The grant is now focusing on capacity building for the MOE and is procuring equipment to support the Ministry in future text- book publication and distribution. • Facilities ◊ Awarded 627 grants worth more than $6 million to rehabilitate schools and equip Directorates General. ◊ Rehabilitated 2,405 schools countrywide. • Supplies ◊ 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 5 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Health October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals include supporting a reformed Iraqi Ministry of Health, deliver- ing essential health services, funding vaccines and high protein biscuits for pregnant and nursing mothers and malnourished children, providing basic pri- mary health care equipment and supplies, training and upgrading health staff, providing health education and information, and identify the specific needs of the health sector and of vulnerable populations such as women and children. • Vaccinated over 3 million children under five and 700,000 pregnant women with vaccination campaigns that included monthly immu- nization days. • Provided supplementary doses of vitamin A for more than 600,000 children under Highlights this week: • As part of a $36.7 million USAID grant, UNICEF is working with the Iraqi Ministry of Health (MOH) to provide supplies and technical assistance to hos- pitals and health clinics. This assistance will help with the provision of routine health services throughout the country. ◊ In September, UNICEF health advisors monitored the implementation of the a new round of polio vaccinations. A preliminary report indicated that 94 percent of all Iraqi children under five have been vaccinated against po- lio. UNICEF advisors also worked with the MOH to prepare for a second round of vaccinations scheduled for this month. To ensure continuation of the campaign and routine immunization services, UNICEF used USAID funds to procure and deliver approximately two million syringes to As Sulay- maniyah, Arbil, and Dahuk Governorates which will cover the needs for im- munizations through 2005. • Faculty members from medical and nursing colleges of Iraqi universities will have the chance to participate in a variety of courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences to improve their skills and reconnect with their domestic and international peers. These opportunities are being made available through the Public Health and Sanitation partnership under USAID’s Higher Education and Development (HEAD) Program. The partnership is being implemented by Jackson State University and a consortium of American universities in collabo- ration with three Iraqi universities. ◊ In October, 57 students and faculty members from Iraqi nursing programs will participate in refresher courses to improve their medical skills. ◊ Thirty-two medical faculty members will participate in a nursing workshop titled “Getting the Evidence Right: Practicing Evidence Based Health Care (EBHC)” in October. ◊ In October, 19 faculty members from two Iraqi medical colleges will partici- pate in four seminars on environmental health management. ◊ Preparations are underway for medical faculty to attend several international conferences both regionally and in the United States in November and De- cember 2004. two and 1.5 million lactating mothers. • Provided iron folate sup- plements for over 1.6 million women of childbearing age. • Screened more than 1.3 million children under five for malnutrition. • Distributed high protein biscuits to more than 450,000 children and 200,000 pregnant and nurs- ing mothers. • Provided potable water for 400,000 persons each day in Basrah city and 170,000 persons in Kirkuk and Mosul. • Provided skills training for 2,500 primary health care providers and 700 physi- cians. • Trained 2,000 health educators, teachers, reli- gious leaders and youth to mobilize communities on hygiene, diarrhea, breast- feeding, nutrition and immu- nization issues. • Disseminated information on essential health mes- sages to families around the country. • Renovated 110 primary health care centers. • Provided vaccines and cold chain equipment to selected health centers. • Developed a national plan for the fortification of wheat flour with iron and folic acid. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 6 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Economic Governance October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID supports sustainable economic reforms in Iraq including examining and reforming laws, regulations, and institutions and providing a framework for pri- vate sector trade, commerce, and investment. The reforms will strengthen the Central Bank and the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Commerce and Industry— among others. Highlights this week: • Fourteen credit officers from Iraqi commercial banks participated in a training course on lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) held in Am- man, Jordan from September 26 to October 8. The training was jointly con- ducted by a Jordanian academy for banking and an industrial development bank and was supported by USAID’s Private Sector Development Initia- tive. This program was uniquely tailored to consider the specific needs of SMEs, as well as the potential risks and benefits of SME-lending. It covered the entire pre-approval process from initial customer contact and assessment of entrepreneurial potential to submission of the loan proposal, and then went through the post-approval process, which included underwriting, disbursal, and strategic business audits. The training used discussions, field and case studies, role playing, and interactive simulations to actively engage the participants. At the end of the training all participants received a professional diploma. A sec- ond banker training course is scheduled for the beginning of November. ◊ The Iraq Private Sector Development Initiative is a new USAID program, begun in late July 2004. It is providing training, technical assistance, con- sulting, and business entrepreneurship services to Iraqi businesses to promote the expansion of a competitive private sector. This banker’s training is part of USAID’s efforts to reactivate the economy and create jobs by providing credit to financially viable SMEs. It is estimated that 90 percent of busi- nesses in the Arab region are small and medium-sized, making them a criti- cal focus for future economic growth. • 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- 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 7 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Agriculture October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s goals are to work in conjunction with Iraqi ministries, the private sec- tor, and higher education institutions to revitalize agricultural production, stimulate income and employment generation, nurture rural initiatives, and re- habilitate the natural resource base. • Summer and Winter Crop Technology Demonstrations: These demonstrations are introducing farmers to new technologies and techniques through extension field days. Highlights this week: • Recently, more than 50 farmers and representatives from the public and private sector participated in a field day demonstration of drip irrigation systems in Al Qadisiyah Governorate funded by USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruction and Development Program for Iraq (ARDI). Participants discussed the benefits of drip irrigation, including the low price, controlled irrigation, reduced weed growth, reduced water usage and more uniform water distribution. Private sec- tor seed suppliers at the demonstration presented the characteristics of the im- proved cucumber varieties being grown; increased yields, and disease resis- tance. In March 2004, ARDI provided a grant to the governorate’s rural com- munities to procure, install, and provide training on drip irrigation kits. • The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the ARDI maize program is testing 23 different maize hybrids in five governorates. Last week, MOA representatives and ARDI conducted inspections of the demonstration plots in At’ Tamim Governorate where they found that maize demonstrations planted across Iraq as part of the Summer Crop Technology Demonstration Program are experi- encing excellent growth. High yields are expected. The performance of these varieties is a strong indicator of the potential for a vibrant maize industry in Iraq. The Summer Crops Technology Demonstration Project is supported by resources from both the MOA and ARDI and was initiated in early July 2004. • Staff from the MOA and USAID’s ARDI program are finalizing plans for an expanded series of crop demonstrations for the winter 2004-05 season. The MOA and ARDI have completed two rounds of demonstrations – one in winter of 2003-04 and another in summer 2004. Over the next winter season, six additional governorates will be included in the crop demonstrations and new crops and cropping techniques will be intro- duced. Additionally, this next round of demonstrations is expected to substantially increase the number of farmers exposed to new agricultural practices, and will con- tinue to engage agricultural leaders, the private sector, teachers, and researchers in the extension process. • 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 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 Minis- try of Agriculture, 40,000 elite date palm offshoots are being used to establish mother orchards in 13 gov- ernorates as part of a multi- plication program and the establishment of a national register of elite varieties. • Agriculture Sector Transi- tion Plan: This plan, com- pleted in mid-April, ad- dresses the short-term re- covery of agricultural infra- structure as well as medium and long-term implementa- tion of policies to develop a market-based agricultural economy. Maize crop technology demonstration inspections in At' Tamim Governorate USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 8 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Local Governance October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s Local Governance Program (LGP) goals include promoting represen- tative citizen participation in governance; strengthening the management skills of city and provincial administrations and civic institutions; promoting advo- cacy and participation of civil society organizations; enhancing leadership skills; and serving as a recruiting tool for future leaders. • 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. Highlights this Week: • The Baghdad Mayoralty is working with advisors from USAID’s Local Gov- ernance Program (LGP) to improve and expand solid waste collection services within the city and the governorate – providing management training, guidance to improve skills of the Mayoralty staff to oversee service delivery, and assis- tance to secure funding. • On September 29, LGP staff in Arbil conducted a workshop at the Arbil Gov- ernorate Department of Irrigation to discuss a framework of activities to im- prove water resource management in northern Iraq. This strategy is part of a larger agricultural development plan which is being prepared by a new agricul- tural advisory committee in Arbil. • Female members of Baghdad district councils and Iraqi NGOs attended two work- shops during the last week of September. Eleven women were in attendance at each of the two workshops which covered many of the current challenges faced by Iraq’s local governments from the perspective of women. The workshops were supported by LGP. • The Baghdad Department of Women participating in a USAID Local Governance Program (LGP) workshop Water has accepted a study on water supply and demand for Baghdad Governorate which was completed by LGP advisors. The study identifies current water usage and future water projection and demand scenar- ios over the next 14 years. • Representatives of three villages in Babil Governorate are working with LGP advisors to discuss local initiatives for the construction of water and electrical supply systems in their villages. Local leaders described the water supply situation as critical and noted that residents are suffering because of a lack of potable water. • 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 26,400 democ- racy dialogues have been conducted to date. • Supporting a series of National Agenda Dialogue Conferences, which engage stakeholders such as aca- demics, journalists, women, tribal leaders, and local government officials in dis- cussions on their roles in Iraq’s democracy. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 9 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Community Action Program October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date The Community Action Program (CAP) works in rural and urban communities across Iraq to promote democracy and prevent and mitigate conflict. Working directly through partner NGOs and in consultation with local government rep- resentatives, USAID is creating representative, participatory community groups to identify critical priorities and implement programs to address those needs. Highlights this Week: • Iraqi community members in a major city in Salah ad Din Governorate have come together to open twelve new literacy centers. These centers will provide literacy classes for 300 women for a period of six months, which will help them achieve a basic level of literacy and improve their communication skills. Literate women have been shown to be more confident female leaders who are more able to take a more active role in community and business affairs. ◊ In response to the course, one participant stated: "I quit from school after my third year because the school was far away from our house. Now I would like to be able to read magazines, and help my children studying their lessons instead of sending them to special teachers to teach them." Another stated, “I would like to get the primary school certification because my dream is to be a teacher". ◊ This initiative is a collaborative effort between Salah ad Din Governorate community members and USAID’s Community Action Program (CAP). The community provided the centers and the teaching materials, while CAP is supporting the salaries of the teachers. CAP works with community mem- bers to democratically elect a community action group, help them identify the needs of their communities, and then supports the implementation of community development projects. • 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 10 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Humanitarian Assistance Transition Initiative October 21, 2004 Major Accomplishments to Date USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) supports the transition to a par- ticipatory, stable, and democratic country. OTI provides quick-dispensing, high-impact grants meeting critical needs—providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, increasing Iraqi access to information and communication, and encouraging protection of human rights. Highlights this week: • A local Iraqi NGO recently presented workshops to residents of two collective towns in northern Iraq. Vulnerable populations in collective towns confront illiteracy, unemployment, and lack of opportunity for advancement. The NGO has been working to help people learn about their rights and how a par- ticipatory democracy can improve their daily lives. This series of outreach workshops, in which 240 women participated, was supported through an Iraq Transition Initiative grant for $5,000. The workshops included lectures about fundamental human rights, women’s and children’s rights, and focused on the role women can actively play in democratic society. The NGO also presented sessions addressing basic needs, such as health and well-being, child develop- ment, and first-aid. Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance In the first year of programming, USAID’s humanitarian assistance focused on emergency interventions to prevent food and water shortages and provide ade- quate shelter and medical supplies throughout Iraq. USAID is now directing humanitarian assistance efforts through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assis- tance (OFDA) to specifically target Iraq’s internally displaced people (IDP), primarily in northern Iraq, but also in two southern governorates. • Awarded more than 1,888 small grants totaling more than $142 million for quick impact activities that support good governance, civil soci- ety, conflict management and mitigation, human rights and transitional justice. • Funded over 60 grants totaling $3 million that focus on women’s issues, includ- ing supporting the establish- ment of 14 women’s centers in Iraq. Rehabilitated over 264 Iraqi national ministries, schools, clinics and other municipal buildings. Sup- porting 65 Iraqi groups in documenting human rights abuses of the Ba’athist re- gime and promoting peace, tolerance, and reconcilia- tion. • Met critical needs during and immediately after the conflict by providing short- term employment, restoring basic government and com- munity services, increasing Iraqi access to information and communication and encouraging protection of human rights. • Rehabilitated 105 water treatment units and 396 kilometers of water networks to ensure the provision of potable water in critical ar- eas. Highlights this week: • IDPs in Diyala’ Governorate are receiving essential supplies and are benefit- ing from water and sanitation improvement projects through OFDA. To date, more than 10,000 individuals have benefited from the supply distribution por- tion of this assistance. A total of 15,000 beneficiaries are expected once all supplies are distributed. ◊ The list of beneficiaries is drawn up by the community to ensure that assis- tance is going to the most vulnerable populations. The content of the supply kits provided to IDPs also varies according to their needs, but may include items such as blankets, towels, cooking equipment, a radio, containers for water, a kerosene heater, soap and detergent, or a small stove. Projects un- der the water and sanitation component include water reticulation system repairs, water network and well construction, and water tank installation. These projects are designed to temporarily sustain IDPs until more permanent solutions can be arranged. • Rehabilitated 72 health facilities and re-equipped 238 to improve the quality of health care. • Vaccinated over 3,000 women and children against measles. • Registered internally displaced persons and pro- vided them with water, blan- kets, medical kits, and hy- giene kits. • Rehabilitated a water treatement plant in a poor area of Baghad. The rehab is benefiting 1 million resi- dents. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 11 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Completed Activities October 21, 2004 Since the cessation of the 2003 conflict, USAID has completed planned work at Umm Qasr Seaport and to restore significant portions of Iraq’s telecommunications network. USAID also helped avert a humanitar- ian crisis during the conflict by providing assistance to the United Nations’ World Food Program through USAID’s Office of Food for Peace. USAID advisors continue to assist with the management and distribu- tion of food rations for all Iraqi citizens. Seaport: • USAID’s $45 million programs to rehabilitate and improve management at the port were 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 13 new switches, and fully integrated them with the 14 existing switches. • Ministry of Communications reactivated more than 215,000 subscriber lines. • Installed a satellite gateway system at Baghdad’s largest telecom exchange and restored international service. • Trained ITPC engineers and technicians in the operation and maintenance of the satellite gateway sys- tem and the new switches. Food Security: • Worked directly with the World Food Program (WFP) and Coalition Forces to re-establish the Public Distribution System (PDS) 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. • Providing support to the Ministry of Trade for ongoing PDS operations. Currently, more than 480,000 metric tons of food is being delivered 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 12 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary October 21, 2004 FY 2003-2005* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation RECONSTRUCTION USAID/ANE .........................................................................................................................Subtotal: $3,642,451,337 Abt Associates Health Countrywide $23,031,886 AFCAP Logistics Countrywide $91,500,000 Army Corps of Engineers Architecture and Engineering services Countrywide $31,328,264 BearingPoint Economic Governance Countrywide $79,583,885 BearingPoint Economic Governance II Countrywide $35,000,000 Louis Berger Group Vocational Education Countrywide $27,200,000 Louis Berger Group Private Sector Development II Countrywide $12,636,115 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 $155,580,000 DAI Marshlands Dhi Qar Al Basrah Maysan $4,000,000 DAI Agriculture Countrywide $11,352,912 Fed Source Personnel Support Countrywide $300,000 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 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 USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 13 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary October 21, 2004 FY 2003-2005* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation CEPPS Transitional Government Countrywide $20,700,000 CEPPS Voter Education, Domestic Observation and Conflict Resolution Countrywide $23,000,000 CEPPS Elections Administration Support Countrywide $40,000,000 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 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 CHF International Monitoring and Evaluation Countrywide $461,228 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 coun- trywide $20,730,000 Yankee Group Telecoms Planning Countrywide $58,150 VEGA Business Skills Training Countrywide $12,089,702 UNDP Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 World Bank Trust Fund Contribution Countrywide $5,000,000 EMERGENCY RELIEF USAID/DCHA/OFDA............................................................................................................................. $113,188,229 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $7,633,952 AirServ Logistics Countrywide $5,309,876 ARC Capacity building Al Basrah $537,746 CARE IDP Assistance, Quick-impact projects, Water and Sanitation, Health, Emergency Relief Commodities Countrywide $9,043,148 The Cuny Center Research studies Countrywide $40,260 GOAL Coordination, Nutrition Al Muthanna’ $1,507,900 USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 14 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary October 21, 2004 FY 2003-2005* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation InterAction Coordination Kuwait City $92,860 IDA Health Countrywide $1,318,437 IMC Health, IDP Assistance, Food Security, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Capacity building Countrywide $16,452,898 IOM IDP Assistance, Coordination Countrywide $6,545,780 IRC IDP Assistance, Health, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $8,000,411 Logistics Emergency Relief Commodities and USAID/DART Support Countrywide $22,553,653 Mercy Corps IDP Assistance, Health, Emergency Relief Commodities, Shelter, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $8,699,786 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 Commodities, Water/ Sanitation Countrywide $6,793,739 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................................................................................................................................$217,258,324 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $8,990,711 IOM Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $6,462,167 DAI Iraq Transition Initiative Countrywide $190,810,533 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 FY 2003-2005 .......................................................4,212,375,582 * Figures in funding sheet are subject to change and do not represent a final official accounting of USG obligations. ** For accounting purposes, funding for this activity has been obligated by OFDA under an existing interagency agreement. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 15