FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – The Wasit governor and the head of the Wasit Reconstruction team cut the ribbon on a newly constructed covered market in the Zuwarijat district of Kut May 14. “In the past, the Iraqis didn’t realize the importance or the significance of these projects to their community,” said Riyad Hassan, chief executive officer, Al Ma’alem Al Asrayiah Company, responsible for the construction of the market. “This market is going to be the core for creating jobs here and to bring in the business for this area.”
The Commander’s Emergency Response Program project can house up to 40 merchants to sell their goods in the community. Previously, residents had to travel into downtown Kut to do their shopping.
“This local market was well done and a well chosen location so it is good for the people,” said Latif Turfah, governor of Wasit province. “The cooperation of the (provincial reconstruction team) with Iraqi government is very necessary in order to help the people and serve the people of Wasit.”
The completion of the Zuwarijat market is just one example of the cooperation between the PRT, Coalition forces and the government of Iraqi, said Kevin Blackstone, team leader, Wasit PRT.
“Coalition forces and the PRT support development efforts like this market throughout Wasit and throughout Iraq, and we will continue to work at the request of the government of Iraq; by, with and through the government of Iraq in accordance with the security agreement between our countries,” said Blackstone.
The market is the second big project completed in Zuwarijat; the Jamaheer clinic was finished in Sept. 2008.
Colonel Dick Francey, 41st Fires Brigade commander and Lt. Col. Timothy Bush, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment commander also attended the ceremony.
