Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAGHDAD1285
2006-04-20 08:13:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

IRAQ PRTS ASSESS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS - MAR 2006

Tags:  PGOV ECON MOPS PREL IZ 
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RUWICBE/I MEF CAMP PENDLETON CA
RHMFIUU/CDR101STABN DIV AASLT FORT CAMPBELL KY
RHMFISS/ASAS 4THINFDIV FORT HOOD TX
RUEPUAC/MITT 4THINFDIV FORT HOOD TX
RHMFISS/506AEG CP KIRKUK IQ
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BAGHDAD 001285 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON MOPS PREL IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ PRTS ASSESS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS - MAR 2006

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BAGHDAD 001285

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ECON MOPS PREL IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ PRTS ASSESS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS - MAR 2006

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1. (U) INTRODUCTION. The Provincial Reconstruction Teams
(PRTs) in Iraq report monthly the ability of the provincial
level government to function effectively and the obstacles
that prevent full self-governance. The PRTs assess
provincial governments in the areas of governance, economic
development and infrastructure, and the Multi-National
Corps assesses security (which is included in the overall
assessment). Governance includes the governor, provincial
council (PC),director generals (DGs),and rule of law and
transparency. The economic development category measures
finance, banking and business; labor and unemployment;
transportation; and agriculture and food. Infrastructure
incorporates basic needs; capacity of electricity, fuel,
telecom, transportation, and irrigation systems; and
education systems. The sub-categories are broken down even
further to ensure full consideration of the various
functions that fall into the respective categories.


2. (U) PRT members evaluate each area and assign a color to
identify its current status. Considering each sub-category
status, the three main pillars are assigned a color-coded
status and these roll up into the overall evaluation for
the respective PC. Green indicates good progress with no
identified problems, yellow means progress being made with
only minor problems, ORANGE indicates slow progress with
significant problems, and red means very slow progress with
major problems. The following paragraphs summarize the
March 2006 assessments for the PRTs in Ninawa, Kirkuk,
Babil, and Baghdad Provinces. END INTRODUCTION.

--------------
NINAWA PROVINCE
--------------


3. (SBU) OVERALL AND GOVERNANCE. All three main pillars
remained coded ORANGE for the Ninawa provincial government
March report, resulting in an overall assessment of ORANGE.
The Governor has engaged in an aggressive outreach program
with various mayors and regional security meetings.
Attending meetings with constituents outside Mosul is a
slow but necessary step in progress towards democracy. The
Governor announced his intent to not run for future office

and indicated a willingness to step down and allow the
Provincial Council (PC) and other political leaders lead
the province. The Ninawa PRT staff does not believe he
actually will do so but that it is an expression of his
frustration. Some provincial leaders push a Kurdish agenda;
others, such as the PC Chairman, prevent initiative and
blame Baghdad for lack of results. Now that some funds
have begun to flow from Baghdad, the provincial government
will challenge the PC to assess its budgeting capabilities.
To progress in future ratings, the Governor must directly
engage political leaders in Baghdad, as well as build
consensus among the PC and the district/sub-district
political leaders. The PC must adopt and follow basic
meeting organizational rules and parliamentary procedures
to ensure fairness and accountability.


4. (U) INFRASTRUCTURE. Infrastructure was rated overall
ORANGE with basic needs coded ORANGE, capacity of the
various systems such as electricity, fuel, telecom, etc.,
again lagged at red; and the education system was yellow.
Projects currently in progress and planned for water,
sewer, electricity, and health infrastructure will improve
service delivery. Unfunded projects for two solid waste
landfills and fuel storage are necessary to address the
worst shortfalls. The transportation network, especially
more roads, will remain a significant constraint to expand
economic actions without dedicated national construction
programs.


5. (U) The province needs to hire more teachers to
alleviate the current shortage. The rural areas are
particularly affected. In healthcare, a demand based
supply system would greatly increase the overall quality
for Ninawa citizens.


6. (SBU) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The overall assessment for
economic development was rated ORANGE. The economy is in

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poor shape. Lack of security, little legal protection for
business and property, absence of clarity in business, and
mistrust of the government all make it unlikely that a
vibrant free market can emerge any time soon. Unemployment
is high, although a widely established "gray market"
prevents extreme conditions. Job creation must remain a
top priority. The transportation factor changed from
ORANGE to red. The quality of road construction is
generally poor and lacking maintenance. No significant
increase in road capacity has occurred since the war with
one exception, widening of the road between Mosul to Dahuk
to two lanes.

--------------
TAMIM (KIRKUK) PROVINCE
--------------


7. (U) OVERALL AND GOVERNANCE. Kirkuk was again rated
overall ORANGE for March, as well as the three main
pillars. The governance area was rated ORANGE. The Kirkuk
provincial government functions on an acceptable level,
although ethnic divisions continue to hinder progress. The
Deputy Governor position remains unfilled. PC elections,
when held later this year, may be the catalyst to unfreeze
the current deadlock and fill that position. The PC
maintained a yellow rating this month. The recent
decentralized funding from Baghdad has empowered the PC.
In the past, many council members lacked a good
understanding of their budgetary responsibilities, due
largely to lack of training and accountability. These
funds from Baghdad, coupled with training provided by the
PRT, have helped the PC members gain that knowledge and
experience, as well as provide redevelopment projects to
benefit its citizens.


8. (U) INFRASTRUCTURE. Infrastructure was rated overall
ORANGE with basic needs coded ORANGE, capacity of the
various systems such as electricity, fuel, telecom, etc.,
coded yellow, the education system was yellow, and civil
service was rated red. There is no trash removal in any of
the municipalities and no landfill or waste collection
facilities. The top priority project for the entire
province is construction of a landfill. A survey of
housing showed that 92% of the population has adequate
housing, due to a recent high volume of housing
construction in Kirkuk. Although some Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) sites have tents, they appear to be
temporary.


9. (U) The monthly average for electricity in homes rose to
10-14 hours per day. The percentage of homes connected to
an electrical grid is approximately 85%. The layout of
roads are generally considered good, however, the surfaces
are deteriorating. The PC approved several road projects,
including a plan to construct a bypass around Kirkuk City.


10. (U) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Factors affecting the
economic development rating were overall ORANGE. Finance,
banking, and business moved from red to ORANGE. The
agriculture and food category increased from ORANGE to
yellow. The PC should develop an integrated economic and
agricultural program based on an accurate assessment of the
current conditions. The province needs a significant
recruiting effort that includes land, security, and tax
incentives to attract business to the area. Kirkuk
Province has real economic development potential but needs
great outside investment to realize it.

--------------
BABIL PROVINCE
--------------


11. (SBU) OVERALL AND GOVERNANCE. Babil Province was
assessed overall at ORANGE for March. Governance was
yellow, while infrastructure and economic development were
coded ORANGE. On March 31, the Babil PC indicated that it
would not communicate with the PRT in protest of Coalition
operations in Baghdad. Although the relationship is
strained, both sides made attempts to reach out and address

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issues. The PC Chairman is facing lots of political
pressure to disengage working with Coalition Forces (CF).


12. (U) The PC needs to improve communication among
themselves and other government officials. Members look
for immediate project results and do not recognize the fact
that some projects are long term and require more time to
develop. The PRT plans to remind the PC of projects
completed and produce fact sheets of current project status
every 90 days. The PRT believes this will build confidence
that the system works and provide training to the PC, as
well as keep capacity building moving forward.


13. (U) INFRASTRUCTURE. The overall infrastructure
assessment for Babil Province was rated ORANGE. Basic
needs continue to be minimally met. The healthcare
situation is not in crisis; however, a large scale disaster
would overwhelm the largest hospitals due to lack of
emergency equipment and supplies. The current solid waste
management system is not effective. Trash is strewn across
many fields and present serious health condition risks for
the local citizens. The PC is working on a plan to improve
solid waste management for the entire province.


14. (U) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The economic development
category was rated overall ORANGE. Transportation was not
rated in February and the agriculture/food category slipped
from yellow to ORANGE. Although unemployment exists, local
citizens express a better life now than two years ago.
They are able to purchase better products, including air
conditioners, satellite dishes, cellular phones and better
quality rice. Unfortunately, more than half the Iraqi
women in the province (relatively the same proportionally
to national numbers) are illiterate. Poor training and
education opportunities for women result in their high
unemployment. Economic reform is moving, even if slowly,
in Babil Province. The anticipated allocation of $55.6M
from the Ministry of Planning and $103.7M from the Ministry
of Finance is expected to give the reform an added boost.

--------------
BAGHDAD PROVINCE
--------------


15. (SBU) OVERALL AND GOVERNANCE. The initial assessment
for Baghdad Province was overall ORANGE for March.
Governance was rated yellow, infrastructure was red and
economic development was coded ORANGE. Lack of open
communication between the PC, the Governate, and City Hall
is blocking the advancement of governance, economic growth,
and their ability to provide essential services within the
province. The provincial government ceased formal, regular
communications with the U.S. military, the PRT, and the
Embassy following a joint U.S.-Iraqi operation in a Baghdad
City neighborhood. The PC Chairman and Governor were able
to successfully persuade most PC members to endorse this
action. Many district council members told PRT staff that
they oppose the action but have been directed to toe the
line or face censure.


16. (U) The central government holds nearly exclusive
jurisdiction over security issues. This severely limits the
effectiveness and legitimacy of the Baghdad provincial
government in security matters. The provincial leaders need
and want to work more closely with security policymakers
and implementers at the national level. In other areas,
relationships between the PC, Governor, City Hall, and
other political leaders need clarification via a charter
that goes beyond the descriptions of Coalition Provisional
Authority (CPA) Order 71. Financial accountability also
needs improvement.


17. (U) INFRASTRUCTURE. Baghdad Province infrastructure
was rated red. Basic needs were coded ORANGE, capacity of
the various systems such as electricity, fuel, telecom,
etc., were assessed as red. Civil service was also rated
red and education received a yellow. Generalized
insecurity remains the determining obstacle to
infrastructure progress. Access to electric power remains

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a major concern of the populace. While potable water and
sewer services within the city have improved, the PC needs
to redirect some effort to the outlying areas. Additional
funds are necessary for Baghdad Province to fundamentally
improve the volume and delivery of essential services
required by the population.


18. (U) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The overall assessment for
economic development was coded ORANGE. Finance/banking,
labor/unemployment, and agriculture/food were each rated
ORANGE. Transportation was coded red. The economy is
functioning substantially below full employment which is
too dependent upon government activity or that of the CF.
Vestiges of the former socialist economy and the effects
from the war economy distort real input and output market
prices. The absence of statistical data renders the
economic development assessment task a difficult one. In
sectors where the free market operates (e.g., consumer
goods, home construction, and cash crops),economic growth
is occurring.

--------------
TABLE SUMMARIZATION
--------------


19. (U) The following table summarizes, by province, the
assessment report in governance, economic development,
infrastructure, and security which all contribute to the
overall assessment. Colors listed in capital letters
indicate a change from the previous month.

NINAWA PROVINCE:
Overall Assessment ORANGE
Governance Overall ORANGE
--Governor's Office ORANGE
--Provincial Council ORANGE
--Director's General ORANGE
--Rule of Law and Transparency ORANGE
Economic Development Overall ORANGE
--Finance/Banking/Business ORANGE
--Labor and Unemployment ORANGE
--Transportation RED
--Agriculture/Food ORANGE
Infrastructure Overall ORANGE
--Basic Needs ORANGE
--Economic Infrastructure Red
--Education Yellow
--Civil Service Data Not Available
Security Not Reported

TAMIM (KIRKUK) PROVINCE:
Overall Assessment ORANGE
Governance Overall ORANGE
--Governor's Office ORANGE
--Provincial Council Yellow
--Director's General ORANGE
--Rule of Law and Transparency ORANGE
Economic Development Overall ORANGE
--Finance/Banking/Business ORANGE
--Labor and Unemployment ORANGE
--Transportation ORANGE
--Agriculture/Food YELLOW
Infrastructure Overall ORANGE
--Basic Needs ORANGE
--Economic Infrastructure Yellow
--Civil Service Red
--Education Yellow
Security Overall ORANGE
--Capable Iraqi Army ORANGE
--Capable IPS ORANGE
--Detention Red
--PJCC Green
--PSC Green

BABIL PROVINCE:
Overall Assessment ORANGE
Governance Overall Yellow
--Governor's Office Yellow
--Provincial Council Yellow

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--Director's General ORANGE
--Rule of Law and Transparency Yellow
Economic Development Overall ORANGE
--Finance/Banking/Business ORANGE
--Labor and Unemployment ORANGE
--Transportation RED
--Agriculture/Food ORANGE
Infrastructure Overall ORANGE
--Basic Needs ORANGE
--Economic Infrastructure ORANGE
--Education ORANGE
--Civil Service ORANGE
Security Overall ORANGE
--Capable Iraqi Army ORANGE
--Capable IPS ORANGE
--Detention ORANGE
--PJCC Red
--PSC ORANGE

BAGHDAD PROVINCE:
Overall Assessment ORANGE
Governance Overall Yellow
--Governor's Office Yellow
--Provincial Council Yellow
--Director's General ORANGE
--Rule of Law and Transparency ORANGE
Economic Development Overall ORANGE
--Finance/Banking/Business ORANGE
--Labor and Unemployment ORANGE
--Transportation ORANGE
--Agriculture/Food ORANGE
Infrastructure Overall Red
--Basic Needs ORANGE
--Economic Infrastructure Red
--Education Yellow
--Civil Service Red
Security Overall Yellow
--Capable Iraqi Army Yellow
--Capable IPS Yellow
--Detention Yellow
--PJCC Yellow
--PSC ORANGE


20. (U) SUMMARY. The assessment is performed each month by
the PRTs and evaluates information existing at the time.
In some cases, the PRT members do not have sufficient data
to make a fair evaluation without further research. The
rating is aimed at identifying areas that need improvement
to pursue the provincial path to self-sufficiency. It
serves as a roadmap for future PRT training efforts, as
well as a measurement of progress made. The items cited in
the above paragraphs are not totally inclusive, but rather
a sampling of the actions necessary for further progress.
END SUMMARY.

KHALILZAD