America's North Shore Journal

Road crews in Maysan Province in southern Iraq once again have a fully operational asphalt plant for their construction needs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently oversaw the renovation of a 26-year-old plant, located in the al-Adlah al-Qarbia area about five kilometers north of Amarah city. “Electrical and mechanical equipment were upgraded and a new administration office constructed,” said Barry Stuard, resident engineer in the Gulf Region Division’s Maysan Resident Office. “That plant now has the capacity to produce up to 80 metric tons of asphalt per hour.” The repairs began in April and the $247,050 project was completed May 28.

Engineer Yaser Hadeed, the Iraqi manager who runs the asphalt plant, is pleased with the improvements. He points out that of the three government-owned asphalt plants in Maysan the newly renovated facility is the only one functioning, “…so there’s definitely a demand for our product.” Currently 30 Iraqi government employees and about 20 Iraqi local residents work there.

“We’re providing asphalt for the Abu al-Tayib street pavement project, linking Amarah with the al-Maqalea area. That new smooth road will make local transport of such raw building materials as limestone, basalt, gravel and sand much easier,” continued Hadeed, who has seven year’s experience at the site. “Good roads benefit the entire economy,” he added.

MNF-I
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South district