CENTCOM NEWS RELEASE

September 21, 2003
Release Number: 03-09-20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION ENGINEERS WORK ON BAGHDAD’S SEWER SYSTEM

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division took to the streets Sept. 18 to fix the city sewage system in the Baghdad neighborhood of Berea.

Although the engineers are playing a major role in the reconstruction of Berea’s sewage system, the Coalition’s effort is focused on support. The Coalition’s role is one of oversight, to help the Iraqis help themselves.

The engineers say the task motivates them because they realize the people of Baghdad are depending on them for their health and well-being.

The engineers have joined forces with local officials, compiling information and digging up sewer lines in preparation for overhauls that will follow in the coming months. The overhauls are needed because of the sewage water standing in the streets and alleys of Berea, which is a low-lying area with a high water table.

A large portion of the existing sewage system needs to be replaced, a project the engineers will work on alongside the citizens of the community.

Part of the problem is that the pipes are undersized. The Berea neighborhood has grown more quickly than its sewage infrastructure can handle. Immediate plans for reconstruction include building a pump station that will help maintain sewage flow in the area.