Anbar Villages Appreciate Water Treatment Investment

14 May 2007

By Norris Jones

Gulf Region Central - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

RAMADI, Iraq – Residents north of Ramadi, Iraq will soon have fresh, potable water pumped into their homes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Gulf Region Central district is overseeing the construction of two small water treatment plants as well as the installation of 24,000 meters of water main for Zangora, a community of 48,000 people, in central Iraq.

Those two units, each capable of purifying 200 cubic meters per hour, are located several kilometers apart to ensure the entire city has an adequate water source. “Residents tell us they’re definitely looking forward to the project’s completion this summer when they will have access to clean water for the first time ever,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Arturo Aseo, USACE Officer in Charge of the Ramadi area.

Each unit is supplied raw water through a 500-meter intake pipe connected to the Euphrates River. The distribution system consists of 200mm, 150mm and 100mm water mains.

“Projects like these are what it’s all about – helping people. It’s great to see the smiles from local residents– young and old. They appreciate what we’re doing,” Aseo continued. “Security is a challenge in Al Anbar Province. But in my four months here, I have seen a dramatic improvement in conditions. Local sheiks are now supporting us. They see we’re here to assist them to make things better. Contractors are excited to do the work. These are all very positive signs.”

The Zangora projects are among 31 water treatment projects Aseo’s office is overseeing. His staff is also managing a number of electric projects including repair and commissioning of an 11-megawatt diesel generating facility south of Ramadi in Tameem, $27.8 million project to rebuild Ramadi’s 132kV substation, and the construction of a new 132kV overhead transmission line.

“This is a great assignment. These projects will be benefiting the area for decades to come,” Aseo concluded.

Photo: An Iraqi worker moves construction materiel around one of two water treatment plants in Ramadi, Iraq. USACE photo by Norris Jones