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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Samir Zedan
Development Outreach and Communications Officer
202.216.6276 x1480
szedan@usaid.gov
Baghdad -- Andrew natsios, administrator for the US Agency for International Development, US Ambassador in Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, and USAID Iraq Mission Director, Dawn Liberi dedicated USAID's office building today. The new building is located within Baghdad's International Zone and it has been built to meet the highest level of Department of State standards. The $3.5 million building safely houses USAID's nearly 200 staff, allowing them to accomplish their humanitarian work without interruption.
During his speech, USAID Administrator Natsios expressed his deep appreciation to the local Iraqi employees whose number has increased significantly during the last two and a half years. "At the President's direction USAID will work even harder to help you create an environment where democracy and economic opportunity can take root, an environment where you and your families can live in peace, freedom and prosperity" He added.
The USAID Iraq mission started in June 2003 with offices in the Baghdad Convention Center, but as reconstruction and humanitarian relief programs increased, the Agency expanded onto its own compound, working out of trailers and a warehouse. In May 2005, USAID employees began working within the double thick roofing and fortified walls of the new building.
"This is the safest building in Iraq," explained one of the Iraqi architects. The safe atmosphere has helped increase efficiency and morale among the employees, which has contributed to the increased productivity of USAID programs throughout Iraq. The building boasts 22 offices and 141 cubicles. This project utilized local labor and materials, employing a total of 2,000 Iraqis during the six month construction period.
USAID's $5.1 billion Iraq program has rehabilitated clinics, hospitals, schools, and water and sewage treatment plants. The education program has rehabilitated nearly 3,000 schools while our community development program has provided over 3,871 grants to community councils throughout Iraq. The democracy program works closely with the Iraqi government to build capacity among ministry officials, and the economic growth program provides technical expertise to create a foundation for a market economy and a democracy.
USAID's infrastructure projects have added over 1,000 megawatts to Iraq's power grid. On-going projects will total over 1,700 megawatts by the end of 2006 with the capacity to supply power to approximately 7 million Iraqis. USAID has increased potable water supply for over 8 million Iraqis, and sewage treatment for an addition 8.7 million. In promoting democracy, boosting the economy, and providing essential services, USAID is laying the foundation for a free, stable, and prosperous Iraq.
USAID programs have created nearly 3 million jobs for the Iraqi people.
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