Forward Operating Base DUKE, Iraq
FOB DUKE, Iraq – More than 160 reconstruction projects worth $6.5 million dollars are currently underway or have been completed since fighting ended in Najaf last August. In an effort to stimulate the local economy and directly benefit Najaf's families, all projects are contracted to local Iraqi businessmen who hire their labor force from the neighborhood where each project is located. Funding for all projects comes from the 11th MEU's Commander's Emergency Response Program -- funds allocated to the Department of Defense by the U.S. Congress. Projects are addressing damage done during fighting in Najaf, specifically schools, which were used by the Muqtada Militia to launch attacks and store weapons caches. However, the majority of projects are focusing on the refurbishment of this Shia city's dilapidated infrastructure, a result of decades of neglect under Saddam Hussein's regime.Projects are improving conditions in the following sectors: public education, essential services (water, electricity, parking, etc), governance, public health and the economy.Subsequently, MEU Marines continue to make payments to innocent Iraqis who experienced property damage, injury or a death in the family during August's fighting. More than $1.9 million has been paid to more than 2,660 Najafis thus far."We're out in town every day, working with local citizens and the government to respond to Najaf's immediate needs," said Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. "These projects are not only improving the day-to-day lives of the Najafis, but they're providing jobs at every labor tier, from business owners to the contracted laborers."* For more information, contact Capt. Carrie C. Batson at batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil