Local Iraqi construction workers completed an irrigation canal and water pump on the outskirts of Amarah in the Maysan province Sept. 29.

The new structure, which took one month to complete, will give 20 local farmers the ability to farm an additional 400 hectare of land annually and provide the farmers with an improved irrigation system to grow more crops during the upcoming season.

“We are very appreciative of these improvements,” said Sheikh Haj Hatim Sadkhan, a local city leader. “We will continue to support the government of Iraq and Coalition forces.”

This project and similar ones can now be completed due to the increased security in the Maysan province. The 38th Iraqi Army Brigade, partnered with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, is conducting counter- insurgency operations along the southeastern border of Iraq.

MNF-I

A car drives by one of many dilapidated irrigation canals in the village of Bassam, northwest of Baghdad, June 4. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are working with the people of the area to upgrade the irrigation systems, which feed water to several farms in the Taji area. (U.S. Army photo/Capt. Ronnie Geronimo)

Locals work to rebuild an old dilapidated canal for the residents of Bassam, a village northwest of Baghdad, June 4. Upon completion, the irrigation canal will service a majority of the farms in the nearby Taji area. (U.S. Army photo/Capt. Ronnie Geronimo)

A pair of local contractors put tar in the cracks of an irrigation canal, which stretches for miles to service the many farms south of the city of Taji, which is located northwest of Baghdad, June 4. These contractors were hired by the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, to improve the infrastructure of the area, which will become the foundation of an improved economy for the city. (U.S. Army photo/Capt. Ronnie Geronimo)

After a few months of back breaking work, a refurbished irrigation canal flows fresh water into the thirsty fields of local farmers in Bassam, a village northwest of Baghdad, June 4. The construction of the irrigation canal was a project started by Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, to support the needs of the local citizens of Taji. (U.S. Army photo/ Capt. Ronnie Geronimo)

Salman Pak’s ministry of irrigation is on schedule with piping projects to restore drinking water for residents of Salman Pak and Dura’iya. The projects, funded by the government of Iraq, are focused on replacing water lines damaged over recent years.

The GoI is increasing efforts to rebuild and restore basic services in the region, said Capt. Matthew Givens, projects planner for the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “Every project completed in Salman Pak and the surrounding regions are made possible by increased security,” he said.

Givens, a native of Columbus, Ga., said projects like this one will eventually provide clean drinking water for the entire region. “It is only one example of renewed interest by the government of Iraq in services provided for the local people, here,” he said.

Salman Pak is home to the ancient Arch of Ctesiphon, the largest man-made free standing arch in the world, which was built in 400 A.D.

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

DVIDS
By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Maynard
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division