CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – Members of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division conducted site assessments of new market buildings July 29 in Basra.
The market building in the city’s al Jameat District opened in April and the building in the al Quibla District is slated to open later this month.
“The goal of this project is to provide alternate space to accommodate law-abiding traders and by doing so, stimulate the local economy and provide employment opportunities,” said Maj. Stanley Hutchison, project management team chief, 2nd BCT. “This also provides a sage place for customers to purchase their wares.”
By using local contractors and laborers, much of the approximately $2.7 million the U.S. provided for the project goes into the local economy, Hutchison added. The locations for the markets were coordinated with the local government to bring a revival to the districts’ economies and bring about a way for the local citizens to receive services and commodities, he said.
At the al Jameat market, the restaurant and pool hall have many customers and business seems good, said Hassan, a citizen who often frequents both.
Though all of the 30 shops have been leased in the al Jameat market, only four have opened their doors for business so far, said Hutchison, though he believes the other shops will open in the near future.
The al Quibla market building will offer 30 shops, including a restaurant space.
“The construction of this market provides a useful facility in itself and it is anticipated that this development may stimulate further investment in this district,” said Hutchison, who comes from Salem, Ore.
Once complete, the Quibla market building will be turned over to the Basra municipality.
