Iraq construction project starts & completions

Six of the projects completed -- totaling $531,000 -- were small water projects in Erbil Province. The projects -- Shewa Ziarat, Baspishtian, Hawidan, Keshke, Kawartian and Aqubani Saru -- consisted of construction of wells, ground tanks, supply of generators and pumps, and expansion of the distribution system. The projects are capable of serving 12,000 residents in the province.

Two of the new projects started during this period are the $4.9 million electrical rehabilitation of a low voltage network in the Wazeriya-Ghazalyia neighborhood of Baghdad Province, and the $1.7 million Al Ghadir low voltage electrical network in Karbala Province. Each project will bring power to approximately 45,000 homes.

"Demand for electricity has risen almost 70 percent since 2003," said Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh, commander of the Gulf Region Division. "Currently, 75 percent of Iraq receives twice as much power now than they did before the war. Our goal is an equitable distribution across the country of 10 to 12 hours of power daily."

More than 90 percent of the Gulf Region Division's Electrical sector projects -- which include generation, transmission and distribution -- have been started.

At the transfer of sovereignty in June 2004, there were just 200 projects started. As of Jan. 14, 2007, the Department of Defense has 3,799 total planned projects representing a construction cost of $10.2 billion.

- 643 are under construction at a construction cost of $2.7 billion.

- 3,071 have been completed at a construction cost of $7 billion.

- 85 more projects are planned.

The results of these efforts have improved the quality of life for all Iraqis:

- Due to added capacity and normal operation and maintenances of systems, electrical generation is at 3,747 megawatts, serving more than 400,000 homes with an end goal of 6,000 MW and 1.3 million homes served.

- Potable water is at 430k m3/day with 2.2 million people affected with an end goal of 1,136k m3/day and an end goal of 5.2 million people affected. Crude oil production is at 2.5 an end goal of 3 million BPD.

Throughout Iraq, U.S. government ongoing projects contribute to the ever-improving quality of life and economic stability -- helping provide the foundation for the country to build upon as it overcomes a generation of neglect.