|
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (May 15, 2008) - Residents in Sadr City
continue to receive humanitarian aid from their local government,
the government of Iraq, Iraqi army soldiers and Multi-National
Division - Baghdad with the help of the recently opened Civil
Military Operations Center and Iraqi Assistance Center at Joint
Security Station Thawra 1.
At the CMOC, local government officials, GoI officials and the
Iraqi army receive guidance from MND-B Soldiers to plan and carry
out operations to better the infrastructure and essential services
as well as supply food, water and other necessities to the people
of Sadr City.
"The CMOC has done an exceptional job bringing together all of
the Iraqi officials, allowing them to take leadership in repairing
some of the damages caused by the recent fighting," said Lt. Col.
Frank Curtis, who serves as the commanding officer of the 432nd
Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade,
Multi-National Division - Baghdad.
"The Iraqi army plans and executes mission in coordination with
coalition forces," continued the Braintree, Mass., native, "but the
Iraqis determine the locations and plans the missions."
Area citizens are beginning to use the center more to help deal
with the issues they might have. They can show up in person and
receive help dealing with their problems.
To date, 114,000 liters of water have been handed out and
approximately 46,000 meals have been given to the area's residents.
Iraqi army soldiers bring the items to the community and deliver
them to the people on the streets.
Large appliances, such as 64 generators and 15 stoves, have also
been provided for the local residents.
Although the aid provided is needed by those in the area, there
is currently not a humanitarian crisis in Sadr City. The problem
has more to do with costs than with supply, said Lt. Col. Gerry
Messmer, who serves as the division chief of staff for civil
military operations with Company A, Special Troops Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division, MND-B.
"Because of restrictions in vehicle movement, there is a
reduction of food in some of the markets, but not to critical
levels," said the Interlaken, N.Y., native. "What this has done, in
the free market society that they have, is raised prices. The Iraqi
Army is taking food and water in to help the poorer people and
defray the expensive costs in the markets."
The CMOC is also working to improve essential services by
providing such services as trash cleanup and the water and sewer
systems. Officials are working to identify leaks in the sewer and
water pipes.
IA soldiers have not forgotten about providing medical care to
those in Sadr City. They have been bringing such services to the
streets of Sadr City on a regular basis.
"The 11th IA Division doctors have done at least one medical
engagement a week, treating the local people," said Messmer.
They have seen more than 2,500 people over the last three weeks
out on the streets in Sadr City. They go to different locations
with their vehicles and set up a mobile medial office to treat
people right there on the streets, he added.
Residents seeking reparations for damages caused during the
recent fighting can go to the Iraqi Assistance Center on a walk-in
basis to receive assistance from MND-B Soldiers with the 432nd CA
Bn. There are interpreters and an Iraqi lawyer on site to help. The
center also provides the ability track their loved ones, who have
been detained, said Curtis.
"If it's damage caused by U.S. forces, we pay to have it
repaired, and if it's damage caused by the Iraqi army or the Iraqi
police, they pay for the damages," said Messmer. "We've paid out
over $25,000 in damage claims to people."
Those seeking reparations from the Iraqi security forces are
helped by the Iraqi lawyer, who also gives them legal advice and
helps to educate them about the Iraqi legal system, Curtis
said.
"Over the past three weeks, we've seen over 600 people," he
added. "Currently, between 80 and 90 people are coming for help
each day."
While the IA, GoI and Multi-National Division - Baghdad plan to
continue with the current aid they are providing, they are also
planning for the future.
"We plan to renovate schools and clinics and then refurbish and
revitalize the Jamilla Market, a wholesale market that supplies
most of Baghdad," said Messmer.
Ultimately, it is all about Iraqis helping themselves and other
Iraqis.
"The people see this," said Curtis, "and they recognize that
they can support their government's efforts to give them a better,
more stable community."
|
