IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION WEEKLY UPDATE November 12, 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 Marshlands.................................................... 4 Agriculture..................................................... 5 Economic Governance................................. 6 Education.......................................................7 Health .............................................................8 Local Governance .........................................9 Humanitarian Assistance .............................10 Completed Activities.....................................11 Financial Summary .......................................12 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: A wheat field in northern Iraq USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Electricity November 12, 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 • After setting post-conflict record electricity production levels in August, 2004, the Ministry of Electricity, with assistance from USAID, began to remove generating units from service to perform maintenance. For generating capacity to perform at nor- mal levels of availability and efficiency, it is critical that maintenance be preformed on an annual basis. Without this maintenance program, the units will not be available to perform satisfactorily during the peak demand summer periods. It is common prac- tice in all electrical systems for units to be removed from service for periods up to four to six weeks every year. In Iraq, with the generating units still recovering from years of neglected maintenance, these periods of maintenance are particularly critical. ◊ In Iraq, there are two periods which are suitable for unit maintenance; generally these periods are in the Fall between October 1 and December 15 and in the Spring between February 15 and May 1. The graph below shows how the available capac- ity in Iraq has decreased reflecting in part generating capacity removed for the An- nual Fall Maintenance Program. Power Production since May -- Peak Production Megawatts 5500 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 05/01/2004 05/15/2004 05/29/2004 06/12/2004 06/26/2004 07/10/2004 07/24/2004 08/07/2004 08/21/2004 09/04/2004 09/18/2004 10/02/2004 10/16/2004 10/30/2004 Peak Production in Megaw atts Peak Production Seven Day Average Power Production since May -- Megawatt/Hours Megawatt/Hours 125000 115000 105000 95000 85000 75000 65000 55000 45000 05/01/2004 05/15/2004 05/29/2004 06/12/2004 06/26/2004 07/10/2004 07/24/2004 08/07/2004 08/21/2004 09/04/2004 09/18/2004 10/02/2004 10/16/2004 10/30/2004 Megaw att/Hours Mw /H Seven Day Average 5,365 MW on August 18, 2004. • Since achieving record power production in Sum- mer ‘04, the Ministry of Elec- tricity—with assistance from USAID—has begun the standard Fall maintenance process which will necessar- ily reduce the amount of power available for con- sumption. USAID worked with the MOE to conduct last Fall’s maintenance program. • 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. * The sharp dip on September 14 represents a major transmission disruption due to sabotage to high voltage transmission system. The system was quickly restored to normal production through the efforts of the Ministry of Electricity. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 2 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Water and Sanitation November 12, 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: • Work is moving forward on USAID’s rural water initiative. Since construc- tion began last month, work has been conducted on 21 wells in rural areas of Diyala’ and Salah ad Din Gover- norates. Eighteen of the 21 have been drilled and six of those have been fully developed. The wells will bring water to rural communities with populations of 1,000 to 5,000. Engineers and pro- ject implementers are also preparing to expand the initiative to other regions of Workers perform an alignment test on a newly drilled well in a rural community in central Iraq; the well was drilled as part of USAID’s rural water initiative the country. ◊ Currently, there are approximately 4 million Iraqis living in regions where water is scarce or non-existent. Various non-profit groups work to help the smallest of these communities — typically populations of less than 1,000 — to find and establish a source of water. However, many mid-sized communi- ties with populations above 1,000 but below 5,000 are underserved. The ru- ral water initiative will install approximately 150 wells in 300 rural commu- nities. The project is scheduled for completion in all 17 governorates by Au- gust 2005 and is expected to benefit a total of 750,000 individuals. • Expansion of a water treatment plant in Baghdad is continuing and is sched- uled for completion during the first part of 2005. Recently, a tie-in from the reservoir to the filter has been completed and backfilled, sludge pump station discharge piping has been installed, and backfilling has begun. Additionally, an emergency generator has been moved into the generator building and a me- dium voltage distribution board for the emergency generator has been installed. The control station for the pump house has also been installed. ◊ The plant is one of two main water treatment plants that serve 4.7 million Baghdad residents. Current production at the plant is estimated at 135 mil- lion gallons per day. However, there is still a shortage in the city, mostly af- fecting the poorer, eastern part of Baghdad including the Thawra neighbor- hood, formerly called Sadr City. Work at the plant will increase potable wa- ter flow to east Baghdad by 45 percent, benefiting 2.5 million people. The expansion will add approximately 50 million gallons per day to the water supply. This project currently employs 277 Iraqis. • 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 partial operation 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 November 12, 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. • Work is now approximately 32% complete on the rehabilitation of Baghdad International Airport’s (BIAP) electrical substation #1 which is the control point for airstrip lighting on the commercial side of BIAP. Along with this work, a 500 kw emergency generator is being supplied to ensure airstrip light- ing is functional. Recent work has included installation of the emergency gen- erator and its control panel. ◊ USAID’s work at Baghdad International Airport began in May 2003. Initial work focused on emergency repairs, such as the installation of a 5MW gen- erator, to allow the immediate re-opening of the airport by July 2003. USAID also repaired the airport terminal and administration offices; in- stalled communication systems; rehabilitated the customs offices; and re- paired passenger support facilities. All work at the airport is expected to be complete by the end of December 2004. • 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. • 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. Marshlands Major Accomplishments to Date In the 1990s, Iraq’s marshlands—one of the world’s largest wetland ecosystems—were destroyed. Marshes were drained, biodiversity was compromised, and the local popu- lation was displaced. USAID’s $4 million initiative works with local residents in sup- port of marshland restoration and the social and economic development of marsh com- munities. • Marshland restoration activities have included surveys, pilot sites, flow and marsh hydrology modeling, and infrastructure needs assessments. Before the marshes were drained, the marsh economy was based on agriculture, livestock, birding, mat-making, and fishing. Although fishing was a primary economic livelihood for only a few low-status tribes, subsistence fishing was practiced widely, and fish was a major food item. USAID’s Marshlands program aims to rehabilitate fish stocks to allow these practices to resume. Fish production in- creases will be achieved by reflooding the largest possible area and by keeping sluices open within flood control and agricultural con- straints to maintain fish migration and spawning. Fishery diversity and productivity will take years to return, but there are encouraging signs that it can recover. • Produced a technical assessment in June 2003 in collaboration with the Minis- try of Water Resources and the a major university. • Implementing a strategy for marsh restoration, which includes ecosystem monitor- ing, wetland reconstruction, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, agribusiness, fishing and aquaculture, livestock and dairy produc- tion, and primary healthcare. • Improving capacity through laboratory and GIS development, study tours, training, and formulation of a strategy for international donor assistance and par- ticipation. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 4 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Agriculture November 12, 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: • Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) officials and USAID’s Agriculture Reconstruc- tion and Development Program for Iraq (ARDI) are continuing implementation of a national wheat production cam- paign. Although wheat is the most im- portant crop in the country, and is grown by a majority of farmers, Iraq imports large volumes of wheat yearly. Total imports reach three million tons yearly, mostly from Australia, which is distrib- uted to Iraqis as part of their food ra- A wheat field in northern Iraq; the ARDI program works with Iraqi officials and farmers to increase wheat yields and help reduce grain imports. tions. The campaign aims to reduce im- ports through more efficient domestic production and to increase employment and incomes for farmers. ◊ Under the campaign, 1,500 tons of wheat seed has arrived in Mosul. ARDI pro- cured the seed to assist the MOA to distribute high quality, certified seed to as many farmers as possible. A total of 4000 tons will be delivered soon. ◊ ARDI and MOA officials in Arbil, Dahuk and As Sulaymaniyah have also agreed to include wheat extension demonstrations as part of the 2004-2005 cam- paign. ARDI will work with extension departments in each governorate to es- tablish 48 demonstration sites. The purpose of the wheat extension demonstra- tions is to show the advantages of application of proper amounts of fertilizer, the use of seed drills, good seed, and application of herbicides. • At the request of the MOA and ARDI, the International Maize and Wheat Im- provement Center (CIMMYT) has supplied wheat germplasm to restart a maize breeding program in Iraq. The program is managed by the Crop Sciences Depart- ment of the State Board for Agricultural Research (SBAR). MOA/ARDI also pro- cured several barley varieties for the SBAR breeding program. The germplasm will help revitalize wheat and barley production in Iraq. • The MOA and ARDI hosted a field day in southern Iraq to discuss with farmers a package of new varieties of rice, fertilizers, and herbicides and their advantages over traditional growing practices. More than 100 farmers, MOA staff, and staff from a nearby university participated in the field day. The field day was an excel- lent forum for farmers to provide feedback to MOA extension and research per- sonnel on the demonstration and the applicability of the technology package on average farms. • 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. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 5 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Economic Governance November 12, 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. PSD II activities include: ◊ Restructuring and privatization ◊ Investment promotion ◊ Trade policy and market access ◊ Development of business management skills ◊ Capital markets development ◊ Small and medium business lending ◊ The Development of the Microfinance Industry ◊ MSME-focused policy and legal reform Highlights this week: • Iraqi government officials and pri- vate sector representatives will work closely with USAID and its partners under the new Private Sec- tor Development Initiative II (PSD II) to promote employment genera- tion and private sector growth in- cluding the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME). PSD II will help build a flourishing private sector by establishing regulations and licensing procedures that help to improve fair business prac- tices and pave the way for increased flows of foreign investment and by ensur- ing that growth and opportunities are extended to segments of Iraq’s population that have historically had limited access to economic resources. • USAID’s Local Governance Program (LGP) staff in northern Iraq, in conjunc- tion with USAID’s partner, the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA), completed a two-day management training course for 18 staff mem- bers from regional business centers in northern Iraq. The course focused on improving conditions for small and medium-sized businesses, preparing them to compete nationally, regionally, and globally. Training focused on marketing plan development, basic business center management, the basics of accessing capital, and human resources. ◊ The information provided during the courses gave the participants a more practical look at what is cur- rently needed to sustain their business centers and allowed them to examine realistic ideas and objectives in their mission to promote economic development, job creation, and income generation for citizens throughout northern Iraq. Staff members from regional business centers in northern Iraq participate in a management training course. • 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 6 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Education 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: • Fourteen faculty members from the agricultural department of a northern Iraqi uni- versity completed a one month, intensive English program, with the support of the University of Hawaii through USAID’s Higher Education and Development (HEAD) program. English skills will allow the academics to participate in semi- nars and conferences to better connect their work to the international community. English training will also facilitate access to the most up-to-date, internationally available technical information necessary for their research and teaching efforts. • Three Iraqi university law schools partnered with DePaul University in the U.S. to draft plans for the establishment of legal research centers. Following initial stud- ies, it was determined that a university in Northern Iraq was the best site for a re- search center in the near term. The first research center was established in Sep- tember, and was provided with legal texts, computers with internet access for legal research, and other equipment. The activity was supported by USAID’s HEAD program. ◊ The center has already hosted a training workshop on “Ethics in the Legal Pro- fession and its Effect on the Rule of Law” that was attended by 58 recent law graduates, faculty members, judges, and scholars. Through future seminars and research activities, it is anticipated the center will advance understanding of rule of law concepts in the legal community in As Sulaymaniyah Governorate. • Eighteen faculty members from colleges of agriculture at northern Iraqi universi- ties are embarking on a study tour with the sponsorship of the University of Ha- waii under the HEAD program. The study tour will provide opportunities for the faculty members to undertake short-term “retooling” leaves at the University of Hawaii, University of Jordan and other educational and research institutions where they will upgrade their knowledge and skills through intensive activities in col- laboration with peers. The tour will benefit the professional and scientific devel- opment of the faculty members and, consequently, the participating university. • A nine-kilometer fiber-optic network has been completed at a northern Iraqi uni- versity, with the support of Jackson State University under USAID’s HEAD pro- gram. The network provides internet and intranet access in several buildings on campus. Preparations are underway for implementing Phase II of the project, which will install networking equipment beyond the fiber-optic infrastructure, and train four university engineers to maintain the network. This project—which will benefit nearly 30,000 staff members, undergraduate students and postgraduate stu- dents—supports the goal of recovery, retooling, and revitalizing the Iraqi univer- sity. The objective is to re-establish the institutional viability of the university through expansion of internet access. USAID November 12, 2004 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, 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. United States Agency for Inter- national Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 7 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Health November 12, 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 Highlights this week: • After being forced to suspend activities due to security concerns, work has re- sumed in recent weeks on equipping primary health care centers throughout Iraq through USAID’s Health Systems Strengthening Program. Recently, 52 health care centers in At Tamim, As Sulaymaniya, and Arbil Governorates re- ceived primary health care kits. The kits contain approximately 60 items of basic medical equipment, office furniture, and laboratory equipment for im- proved provision of essential health services. So far, 383 kits out of a target of 600 have been delivered to care centers across Iraq. • Representatives of four Iraqi universities attended a one-week workshop on child nutrition in Amman, Jordan. The workshop was designed to address the child nutrition issues identified as most critical by the World Health Organiza- tion. These issues include protein-energy malnutrition and deficiencies of vita- min A, iodine, iron and zinc. At the request of the participants, sessions on vi- tamin D, folic acid and selenium were also added to the program. ◊ Participants included seven pediatricians, one biochemist, and two commu- nity health faculty members—all from their respective Colleges of Medicine. At the suggestion of UNICEF, key scientists from Iraq’s national Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) were also invited. Participants in the workshop brought data about community health programs in Iraq and about research they had conducted during the past few years. Participants identified health problems affecting Iraqi children, including goiter, anemia and rickets. • Crews are preparing the ground for a new pediatric teaching hospital in Basrah. The hospital will provide health care facilities for inpatient and outpatient pedi- atric care. The plans call for the children’s hospital to include approximately 50 patient beds, facilities for the training of medical personnel, facilities for outpa- tient and inpatient surgeries, outpatient clinics, major diagnostic modalities, provisions for future expansions and programs. ◊ The children’s hospital project is being implemented through a public-private partnership between USAID and Project HOPE, an international NGO. Pro- ject HOPE is providing medical equipment and staff training. Work on the site is still in the early stages, with a projected completion date by the end of next year. Construction activities will commence early next year. The project currently employs 24 Iraq workers. than 600,000 children under two and 1.5 million lactating mothers. • Provided iron folate sup- plements for over 1.6 million women of childbearing age. • Screened more than 1.3 million children under five for malnutrition. • Distributed high protein biscuits to more than 450,000 children and 200,000 pregnant and nurs- ing mothers. • Provided potable water for 400,000 persons each day in Basrah city and 170,000 persons in Kirkuk and Mosul. • Provided skills training for 2,500 primary health care providers and 700 physi- cians. • Trained 2,000 health educators, teachers, reli- gious leaders and youth to mobilize communities on hygiene, diarrhea, breast- feeding, nutrition and immu- nization issues. • Disseminated information on essential health mes- sages to families 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 8 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Local Governance November 12, 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. Highlights this Week: • Local Governance Program (LGP) staff in Iraq’s southern region conducted a workshop on the Principles of Fiscal and Administrative Decentralization for eight members of the Basrah Governorate Council. The Council requested the workshop to learn more about decentralization as they develop strategies for devolution and equitable revenue sharing between the governorates and the federal government. Decentralization will contribute to enhancing political participation and strengthening home rule for local services. • LGP conducted technical training in the south central region on service deliv- ery improvement for a variety of Babil departments responsible for the deliv- ery of essential services such as roads, water, sewage, and physical planning. Training focused on preparation of infrastructure projects that can be utilized for development planning and sound project management practices that enable departments to operate more efficiently. • The LGP team in Baghdad provided the Ba’qubah Water Directorate with laboratory equipment to test and assess water quality in 28 major water treat- ment facilities throughout Diyala governorate. Restoration of basic public ser- vices has been a key component of LGP activities in the area. The direct bene- ficiaries of these activities include the entire population of Diyala governorate: 1,224,000 residents. • LGP staff in Salah Ad Din Governorate held eight Civic Dialogue Program conferences over the past week. Iraqi facilitators prepared, organized, invited speakers, and included community leaders to participate in discussions and fa- cilitate dialogue. The confer- ences focused on a variety of themes including conflict resolution, Islam and democ- racy. Between 75-250 people typically attended the confer- ences. • Established regional of- fices in Al Basrah, Al Hillah, Baghdad, and Mosul and operations in all gover- norates. • Awarded $15.5 million in rapid-response grants in the first program year to strengthen the capacity of municipal authorities to de- liver core municipal ser- vices. The grants were used to restore services in agri- culture, education, health, electricity, sanitation, and water. • 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 more than $2.4 million for the nation- wide Civic Education Cam- paign, which educated 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. Iraqis take part in a democracy dialogue activity designed to build awareness and support for democratic initiatives. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 9 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Humanitarian Assistance Transition Initiative November 12, 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: • Farmers from an ethnically diverse and conflict-prone region of Iraq recently at- tended a four-day workshop to discuss critical issues of the political and eco- nomic transition. Under the “Arabization” policy of the former regime, minori- ties from this agriculturally rich region were moved off their land and Arabs from other regions settled in their place. Now, the original owners are taking steps to reclaim their property. The workshop focused on educating farmers about their rights and gave them an opportunity to express their opinions and voice their con- cerns. • Awarded more than 2,019 small grants totaling more than $151.3 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. 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. • Rehabilitated 105 water treatment units and 396 kilometers of water networks to ensure the provision of potable water in critical ar- eas. • Rehabilitated 72 health facilities and re-equipped 238 to improve the quality of Left: School children at new wash basins. Below: Wash basins before rehabilitation USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), in coopera- tion with the Ninawa’ Directorate of Education, rehabilitated the water and sanitation systems at 90 schools in Ninawa’ Governorate over the summer. The project supplied new water tanks, installed new water coolers, repainted bathrooms and toilets, installed new sanitary fittings and wash basins, replaced damaged and broken doors, fixed broken windows and tiled the floors. More than 67,000 Iraqi school children now have clean running water and function- ing toilets. This rehabilitation work was part of a larger coalition initia- tive to rehabilitate the water and sanitation systems at 205 schools in northern Iraq. The remaining schools were supported by other coalition development agencies. 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 treatment plant in a poor area of Baghdad. The re- hab is benefiting 1 million residents. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 10 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Completed Activities November 12, 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. • 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 Distri- bution System Working Group to assist the Ministry of Trade with improving PDS management. USAID United States Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov/iraq 11 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary November 12, 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 12 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary November 12, 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............................................................................................................................. $114,688,229 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 13 Iraq Reconstruction Weekly Update Financial Summary November 12, 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 $17,952,898 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................................................................................................................................$217,540,548 Administrative Administrative Costs Countrywide $9,272,935 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 2003-2005............................................................$4,400,251,114 * 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 14