USAID Iraq: Fact sheet no. 26, 28 April 2005

RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE April 28, 2005 Pulling high-tension switchyard cables at Baghdad South Power Plant. The project will add 212 MW to the national grid when it is complete in July, 2005. Contents: Electricity ...........................................................2 Water and Sanitation.........................................3 Economic Governance ......................................4 Agriculture.........................................................5 Education ....................................................... 6 Local Governance.......................................... 7 National Governance ..................................... 8 Completed Activities....................................... 9 Financial Summary ........................................ 10 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 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 Work is continuing on the ex- pansion of the electrical gen- eration capacity of the Bagh- dad South Power Plant. The scope of work for the project in- volves the installation of two new 120 MW turbines and accompa- nying skids, modules, switchyard, busduct, transformers, and em- bedded conduit systems. Cur- rently, 45 Iraqi electricians work- ing extended shifts are preparing the necessary power cables for the first new turbine and installing low and medium voltage switch- Exhaust Stack External Rings and Silencer. gear. Work on the fire fighting system and the exhaust stack sound muffler has been completed. Work is continuing on grounding, fire protection piping, acoustical enclosures, and gas piping to the main unit breakers. The power generation system in Iraq is unreliable, with electricity limited to 8 to 10 hours each day. The existing Baghdad South Power Plant is a mid-sized thermal plant with a 132 kilovolt (KV) connection. Because the plant is ser- viced by a heavy fuel pipeline and is on a site large enough to accommodate expansion, the plant was selected for installation of these two new combustion turbines. The first turbine to be installed should begin light fuel operation in June 2005, with the second turbine scheduled for July 2005. The turbines will be ready for heavy fuel operation and be substantial completed by November 2005. When completed, 212 MW will be added to the Iraq grid. All work at the site is ex- pected to be completed by December 2005. April 28, 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 600 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 add a total of more than 792 MW to the national grid by De- cember 2005 through mainte- nance, rehabilitation, and new generation 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 Despite setbacks, work on the sewage collection system in Kadhamiya continues and the scope of work was recently amended to include repair of the recent collapses. This project will clean, repair, replace, and expand sewer lines and equipment of Kadhamiya’s sewage collection system as nec- essary to improve its performance. The scope of work will be completed in three phases, roughly corresponding to Kadhamiya’s three areas. Section 1A, which consists of clearing and repairing sewer lines in the western section, is substantially complete. Section 1B consists of similar work in the eastern sec- tion. Vertical pump lift station rehabilitation (including civil, mechanical, electri- cal, and general building repairs) continues at eight locations as part of the 1B sub-project. Upon completion, Kadhamiya’s sewage collection system will lift and convey sewage flows to Kerkh Wastewater Treatment Plant, eliminating flooding and pooling of raw sewage. The repairs are expected to be com- pleted in June 2005. Work to rehabilitate the sewage treatment plant in Karbala slowed dur- ing the Ashoura holiday period, during which thousands of Shi’a pil- grims travel to the city’s holy sites. About ten days of work was lost over the past few weeks. Current work on the project includes the construction of the foundation for the plant’s aerator walls and dewatering prior to laying the foundations for pump stations and sedimentation tanks. Excavation is also in progress to prepare for the installation of additional sedimentation tanks. The sewage plant rehabilitation includes the construction of two new 36-meter diameter secondary sedimentation tanks, extensive cleaning and enlargement of the existing aeration tanks and improvements to the secondary treatment processing train. Several new pump stations will also be constructed and cur- rent stations rehabilitated. Finally, all major pumps and auxiliary mechanical and electrical equipment will be either replaced or repaired. The work is ex- pected to be completed in February 2006. Upon completion, reduction in pub- lic health risks from contaminated water will benefit 150,000 residents of Kar- bala, and pilgrims to Karbala Mosque. USAID is also conducting extensive repairs to Karbala’s potable water treatment facility; that work is expected to be complete in September 2005. Under the Iraq Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program, USAID is currently rehabilitating and expanding the Sharkh Dijlah water treatment plant on the Tigris River north of Baghdad. USAID has nearly completed work on the 50 MGD expansion of the Sharkh Dijlah water treatment plant. Final com- missioning of the new plant is delayed due to an equipment supplier withhold- ing a critical component and essential software for the master control center procured under a separate United Nations Development Program project pending a Central Bank of Iraq authorization for payment. The second phase of the project includes refurbishment of the existing plant facilities at Sharkh Dijlah including administrative buildings, electrical and mechanical systems, and other equipment rehabilitation. Plant personnel will also be trained in proper operation and maintenance (O&M) of the plant equipment. April 28, 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 April 28, 2005 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 Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) recently ap- proved 49 new small business grants and are providing business skills training for 13 field officers from a USAID partner organization that im- plements community projects. These activities are part of VEGA’s continu- ing efforts to support the development of a competitive and efficient private sector in Iraq through a package of training, technical assistance, consulting, and business entrepreneurship services. Recent activities in support of VEGA objectives have included: Grant activities VEGA recently approved 49 grants for a total of $163,735, including 41 grants ($52,000) in Baghdad and eight ($111,735) in Arbil. An additional 32 grant applications, worth a total of $465,551, are now in process including 15 appli- cations ($256,700) in Baghdad and 17 ($208,851) in Arbil. As part of the ap- plication process, some grant applicants receive technical assistance in devel- oping written business plans. Grants were provided to a broad variety of busi- nesses, including kindergartens, banks, a musical instrument shop, a salt fac- tory, an aluminum factory, and a frame repair venture. Training of trainers VEGA advisors are conducting a “training of trainers” (TOT) workshop for field officers from ACDI/VOCA, a non-governmental organization that is working with USAID’s Community Action Program to implement community projects. The TOT session in Arbil provided instruction on basic business skills devel- opment to 13 ACDI/VOCA officers from Kirkuk, Samarra, and Tikrit. The agenda includes on conducting feasibility studies for small business ventures. • 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 April 2004, 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. A Massey Ferguson tractor in northern Iraq. 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 Inspections are continuing on farm equipment that will be re- paired by the Ministry of Agricul- ture (MOA) and USAID’s Agricul- ture Reconstruction and Devel- opment for Iraq (ARDI) program. Recently, advisors began work in- specting Massey Ferguson tractors and combines in northern Iraq. The objective of the Mechanization Rehabilitation Program is to reha- bilitate tractors and combines of the three international brands most commonly used in Iraq, including Massey Ferguson, Case New Hol- land, and John Deere. Ten members of the Soil Department of the MOA in Arbil are receiving training this month at the Soil Analysis and Sampling Techniques workshop sponsored by MOA and ARDI. The function of the MOA/Arbil Soil Department is to conduct research and advise farmers on the best methods and tech- niques to grow crops, given soil conditions. In 1991, the Research and Exten- sion Centers, including the Soil Department, were looted and damaged amid civil unrest following the conflict. The Soil Department’s ability to carry out research and testing was curtailed, and it now faces challenges implementing development plans because its practices and techniques are out of date. The 2004-2005 winter crop survey is underway in As Sulaymaniyah, with support from the MOA and ARDI program. The survey, which began last week, will be conducted in two stages. The first stage will measure the area planted with winter crops, including wheat, barley, lentils and chickpea, as well as the area left fallow for the year. In the second stage, the enumerators will return to the selected plots just before harvest and estimate the crop yields. Enumerators will also collect soil samples to see if there is a relationship be- tween crop yield and soil quality. They will also take samples of grain to test the quality and estimate incidence of pests. Work is moving forward on a reforestation activity in Arbil governorate supported by the MOA and ARDI. Fifty hectares of land in the governorate have been planted with eucalyptus and pine trees, representing half of the to- tal planned effort to plant 100 hectares in the area. April 28, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 5 EDUCATION April 28, 2005 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE • 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, cabi- nets, chalkboards, and kits for primary and secondary schools countrywide. − Printed and distributed 8.7 mil- lion revised math and science textbooks to grades 1-12 by mid-February 2004. • Institutional Strengthening − Completed a major initiative that trained nearly 33,000 secondary school teachers and administra- tors, including 860 master train- ers, nationwide. − Conducted a pilot accelerated learning program in five Iraqi cities to allow out-of-school chil- dren to complete two school years in one year. More than 550 students participated. − Assisted the Ministry in estab- lishing official baseline educa- tion data for Iraq. • Higher Education − Awarded five grants worth $20.7 million to create partnerships between 10 Iraqi universities and U.S. counterparts in the Higher Education and Develop- ment (HEAD) program. − The HEAD program has pro- vided training opportunities for approximately 1,000 Iraqi fac- ulty and students, awarded more than 75 mini-grants, and supported a dozen graduate students in full-time study. − HEAD is helping Iraqi universi- ties rebuild and re-equip facili- ties; send students and profes- sors to international confer- ences; and reform curricula. 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 Iraq’s universities are leading efforts to increase stability and advance democratic progress. Universities provide jobs and opportunities for sound intellectual development to the important demographic of 18-25 year old youth. These intellectual leaders and youths are potential targets for terrorist recruiters, who manipulate them as foot soldiers and seek the technical exper- tise of scientists and technicians. USAID’s Higher Education and Develop- ment Program (HEAD) helps Iraqi universities build strong links with U.S. aca- demic counterparts, creating a campus environment that favors pro- democratic thought and actively involves professors and students in rebuilding the country. The HEAD program is designed to have an immediate impact in constructively engaging youths and intellectual leaders. HEAD builds the capacity of Iraqi universities to act as forces for secular, pro-democratic thought and to provide practical education to the generation of Iraqis now entering the workforce. HEAD is implemented through five partnerships, each including several Iraqi and American universities. The five partnerships include: • DePaul University’s International Human Rights Law Institute (IHRLI) is working through HEAD to strengthen legal instruction at three Iraqi law schools. Two law libraries at universities in Baghdad and As Sulaymani- yah have so far been restored with assistance from IHRLI; one more li- brary will be restored at a third university. • The Al Sharaka project, led by the University of Oklahoma, works with five universities in Iraq to strengthen research capabilities. More than 10,000 books were delivered to five Iraqi Universities through a “Books Beyond Borders” within the Al Sharaka partnership. • The Jackson State University-led Mississippi Consortium for International Development is working with Iraqi universities to improve access to inter- national academic resources and strengthen research capabilities. A local area network was installed to link buildings at one northern Iraqi university through an intranet and to provide faculty and researchers access to inter- national counterparts through a high-speed Internet connection. • University of Hawaii support enables Iraqi universities to connect farmers with international best practices and modern farming methods. About 150 faculty attended a series of seven workshops at ICARDA and the Ameri- can University in Beirut (AUB) on topics such as Statistics and Experimen- tal Design, Soil and Water Resources, Forestry Sciences, Agricultural En- gineering and Technology Transfer. • The State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNY/SB) is strength- ening the quality of education at four Iraqi partner universities in archae- ology, Assyriology, and environmental health. Fifty-six faculty and gradu- ate students attended 10 weeks of intensive lectures, IT instruction and field trips in Amman, Jordan. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 6 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE LOCAL GOVERNANCE 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. HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK On April 14, USAID’s partner providing support to the Transitional Gov- ernment conducted a Women’s Roundtable discussion in Basra with eight representatives of local civil society organizations and political parties to explore attitudes about women’s participation in the last election and to identify challenges women face as candidates, activists, and voters. Participants also discussed the upcoming constitutional drafting process and identified blockages faced by women who wish to become actively engaged in the constitutional debate. Participants were in agreement on the following points: • The election process remained entirely new to them, and there are few places women felt they could go for guidance, especially as candidates. Women in particular need much more training on core skills that will help them become more effective candidates, activists, and community leaders; • Women legislators, especially those in at the governorate level, require training on a variety of subjects, including budgetary oversight, communi- cation skills, strategic planning, meeting and time management. • Persistent and considerable fear and mistrust between political parties (among men as well as women) hampers discussions to collaboratively solve important service delivery problems in the South. The situation was improving, but too slowly; • Too little or poor quality communication between political parties and vot- ers; • Youth, especially young women, are not actively engaged by political par- ties; • The security situation disproportionately hampers women’s efforts to be- come politically active and feeds into a sense of mistrust between different groups; • Quota systems achieved an overall positive result, but women are often accused of being “given” a position that would have been given to a more qualified man. April 28, 2005 • Established regional offices in Al Basrah, Al Hillah, Baghdad, and Mosul and operations in all governorates. • Awarded $15.5 million in rapid- response grants in the first pro- gram year to strengthen the capacity of municipal authorities to deliver core municipal ser- vices. The grants were used to restore services in agriculture, education, health, electricity, sanitation, and water. • Facilitated the establishment and refreshment of 16 gover- norate councils, 90 district coun- cils, 194 city or sub-district councils, and 445 neighborhood councils. • Organized and facilitated nu- merous selection processes for governors and mayors, as well as local council members, throughout Iraq. • Committed more than $2.4 mil- lion for the nationwide Civic Education Campaign, which educates Iraqis on democracy and Iraq’s political situation. More than 28,500 democracy dialogues have been conducted to date. • Supported preparation of 2004 city council budgets in Baghdad, Mosul, Al Hillah, Babil, and An Najaf. • Supporting a series of National Agenda Dialogue Conferences, which engage stakeholders such as academics, journalists, women, tribal leaders, and local government officials in discus- sions on their roles in Iraq’s emerging democracy. UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 7 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 From April 9-16, trainers and international consultants from the State University of New York’s Center for International Development (SUNY/ CID) led an in-depth Basic Parliamentary Skills training program for 22 senior staff members of various Transitional National Assembly (TNA) depart- ments including Personnel Affairs, Protocol, Accounting and Auditing, Media, and Coordination. The workshop agenda was designed in close consultation with TNA Chief of Staff and Acting Training Department Officer, and was a follow up to the first Skills Development workshop conducted in February 2005. Through small group activities divided by department, the week-long workshop offered an introduction to the technical aspects of legislative proce- dures. Participants worked together on cross-department exchanges of tech- nical information in a simulated plenary session. The training also provided an extensive visit of the Jordanian Parliament. A USAID partner is finalizing its Constitutional Information Packages that will be distributed to all civil society organizations interested in un- derstanding and contributing to Iraq’s constitutional process. The part- ner has also begun designing its new NGO Training and Workshop Manual specifically intended to offer a friendly and accessible introduction to NGO management in all its aspects. During the past months, Iraq’s Election Information Network (EIN) began an internal assessment of the January electoral process as well as its own performance during the elections. The achievement of EIN’s monitors has inspired many not only to pursue but to improve their monitoring activities for the next elections. While several regional evaluation conferences have al- ready taken place, the EIN’s Board of Directors and Executive Director also recognized the need to advance their own management skills during this in- terim period. From April 6-9, USAID’s partner providing support to the TNA organized a three-day training retreat in Arbil for EIN’s Executive Director and all Board members, 8 participants total. The training, based on activities and lectures, was designed to improve their skills in communication, negotiation, decision-making, planning, understanding the roles and responsibilities of a Board of Directors, procedures, and a code of conduct. These types of train- ings are expected to considerably strengthen the capacity of the organization as a whole. After a careful review of all micro grant applications, USAID’s partner providing support to the Transitional Government finalized the selection of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) ready to implement proposed projects, all related to civic education and input into the national constitutional process. A first group of NGOs will be officially awarded grants in April, based on the quality of their applications and projects. On the day of the awards 22 organizations will participate in a day-long training workshop on donor rela- tions, financial management and report writing. April 28, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 8 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. April 28, 2005 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 9 FINANCIAL SUMMARY April 28, 2005 FY 2003-2005* Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation Reconstruction USAID/ANE Subtotal: $3,869,775,800 Abt Associates Health Countrywide $23,031,886 AFCAP Logistics Countrywide $91,500,000 Army Corps of Engineers Architecture and Engineering Services Countrywide $30,842,037 BearingPoint Economic Governance Countrywide $79,583,885 BearingPoint Economic Governance II Countrywide $103,500,000 Louis Berger Group Vocational Education Countrywide $75,016,115 Louis Berger Group Private Sector Development II Countrywide $60,000,000 Bechtel National Airports, buildings, emergency communications, power, railroads, roads and bridges, Umm Qasr seaport, water and sanitation Countrywide $1,029,833,259 Bechtel National 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 Community Action Program Development in impoverished communities Countrywide $168,820,000 DAI Marshlands Dhi Qar Al Basr Maysan $4,000,000 DAI Agriculture Countrywide $101,352,912 Fed Source Personnel Support Countrywide $300,000 IRG Reconstruction Support Countrywide $51,698,152 RTI Local Governance Countrywide $236,911,000 America's Develop- ment Foundation Civil Society Countrywide $42,880,157 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 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE ● 10 FINANCIAL SUMMARY April 28, 2005 FY 2003-2005 Implementing Partner Sector Regions Obligation VFH Elections Support Countrywide $1,000,000 UNICEF Health, Water and Sanitation Countrywide $36,700,000 UNICEF Education Countrywide $19,600,000 UNESCO Textbook Printing & Distribution: Math & Science Countrywide $10,000,000 WHO Strengthen Health System Countrywide $10,000,000 Logenix Health North/Central $98,006 SSA Port Management Um Qasr $14,318,985 SkyLink Airport Management Baghdad, Al Basrah, Mosul $27,200,000 MSI Monitoring and Evaluation Countrywide $5,038,772 University Partners • The Research Foundation of the State University of New York/Stony Brook and the Universities of Chicago, Boston and Oxford • The Human Rights Institute, DePaul University College of Law and Italy’s International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences • University of Hawaii, the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas, University of Jordan and the American University in Beirut • Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Benetech, US-Iraq Business Resources • University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Cameron University and Langston Univer- sity Countrywide $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...................................................................................Subtotal: $166,653,748 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 ● 11 FINANCIAL SUMMARY April 28, 2005 FY 2003-2005 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 $16,392,470 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: $427,571,000 WFP Operations Countrywide $45,000,000 WFP Emerson Trust - 81,500 MT Countrywide $40,337,000 WFP PL 480 - 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: $372,184,521 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $10,227,056 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............................................................$4,834,185,069 * 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 ● 12