REO Al-Hillah
Najaf PRT
PRT Najaf was established in Najaf in April 2006 and moved to REO Hillah in September 2006. Since its inception, it has sought to provide consistent and reliable support to the Holy Province of Najaf. Spanning Najaf's attainment of Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC) in December 2006, PRT Najaf has served as a conduit of information and expertise. For example, PRT Najaf has supported the completion of the Najaf Aiport Project (NAP) by helping to bring experts from the Boeing Corporation to conduct an needs assessment of the Airport, and by facilitating communication between Baghdad and Najaf officials concerning the Airport. PRT Najaf has also served a valuable role in transmitting concerns and praise from Najaf officials to U.S. officials in Baghdad and Washington, DC, as well as facilitating the flow of communication in the opposite direction. For example, minutes after the Samarrah bombing in June 2007, PRT Najaf officials were on the phone with Najaf officials, expressing the U.S. government's regret over the senseless destruction. As additional experts join the PRT Najaf staff, the team will seek to expand the level of technical expertise provided, while maintaining its support for strategic infrastructure and targeted support for Najaf civil society.
Education Projects
PRT Najaf channelled U.S. Department of State Economic Support Funds to Najaf, paying for 5000 school desks for local classes.
The PRT has coordinated receiving 2000 desks for this project. USACE discussed points of objections with the DG of education in SCT meeting on 21Aug07. We are still committed to supply the education department with 5000 desks. The PRT coordinated with NRC and the governor,s office to issue a letter to let the DG of education to accept receiving them and thanking GRS for their generous gift for Najaf's students.
PRT Najaf has also responded to Najaf needs for supplies and humanitarian assistance; the PRT furnished 5000 school desks to local schools and assisted the local government in the chartering of a school bus for children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Health Projects
In 2006, the U.S. military paid for extensive constrution at the Al Sadr Teaching Hospital. Construction was completed in March 2007.
The governor of Najaf opened Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in the province, after the reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Infrastructure Projects
Through U.S. Department of State Economic Support Funds, PRT Najaf financed the construction of a runway apron at the Najaf Airport.
In addition, PRT Najaf has funnelled support to critical infrastructure projects in Najaf, including new-building construction at Kufa University, security upgrades at a water treatment plant, an expansion of the Provincial Council building, landing pads for helicopters at the Governorate Building and at the Airport, and the construction of a runway apron at the Airport.
Civil Society Projects
In 2008, PRT Najaf is poised to support the emergence of a vibrant civil society in Najaf.
PRT team representative visited the three registration centers for Job Fairs in the province.. Many unemployed went to register their names at these centers.
This program is sponsored directly by Iraqi-American Commerce Chamber.