AL-HILLAH, Iraq – Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, in conjunction with the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team, donated seven potable water trucks to the Provincial Water Directorate during a ceremony at Al-Hillah Sept. 10 to help curb cholera in Iraq.
The cholera bacterium lives in unsanitary water and causes diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Cholera has been a problem in the world since the early 1800’s. The first documented outbreak of cholera was in India and was possibly brought to the Middle East through trade routes.
“We started this project six months ago by educating the 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 31st Iraqi Army Brigade,” said 1st Sgt. Richard A. Mitchell, Co. C, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt., and a native of Jasper, Ind. “We taught them what cholera is, how to treat it and ways to prevent it.”
The donation of water trucks will help the Iraqis transport clean potable water from water treatment plants to the cities.
“We’re very happy about this donation,” said Jassim Mohammed, Chief Engineer for Babylon Water Directorate. “With these water trucks, deprived citizens will be able to have clean and safe drinking water.”
Clean water is essential for Iraq to reduce the incidents of cholera. According to International Medical Corps, 30 percent of the population outside of Al-Hillah still gets their drinking water from rivers, lakes and streams, which are all possible sources of contamination.
During the summer of 2008, Babil Province was the heart of a cholera outbreak with 230 confirmed cases and three deaths.
“Iraq doesn’t have the same water treatment plants or capabilities as the U.S.,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert M. Fox, platoon sergeant, 2nd plt., Co. C, 2nd Bn. “If we can provide Iraqis with a way to transport clean water throughout the country then we have a greater chance of preventing cholera.”
The donated trucks will help to bring water to areas without access to water networks. Small remote villages without water access received 10,000 liter plastic water tanks to store the potable water through an additional project with the PRT.
The government of Iraq will purchase 25 water trucks in addition to the seven donated during the ceremony. The Commander’s Emergency Response Program, a fund that allows commanders to spend money on projects to help immediately respond to urgent humanitarian reliefs, was used to purchase the water trucks.
"We realize that people are dying more from disease than they are from bombs and fighting,” said Spc. Gerry E. Denardi, team leader, 2nd platoon, Co. C, 2nd Bn. and a native of Marietta, Ohio. “This project wasn’t about people making money, but it is about helping the Iraqis achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle through clean water.”
