Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD2279
2008-07-23 05:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
PRT MAYSAN: MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS LIST IMMEDIATE
how-toVZCZCXRO3837 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #2279/01 2050533 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 230533Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8428 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002279
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/22/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PINS ECON EAID IZ
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS LIST IMMEDIATE
NEEDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia for reasons 1.4 (
b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002279
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/22/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PINS ECON EAID IZ
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS LIST IMMEDIATE
NEEDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia for reasons 1.4 (
b) and (d).
1. (U) This is a PRT Maysan reporting cable.
Summary and Comment:
--------------
2. (C) The Director General (DG) of Municipalities and
Director of Maysan (Amarah) Municipalities identified solid
waste collection and disposal as a top priority during a July
15 meeting with PRT Municipal Advisor and USAID
representative. The officials also requested assistance to
build a town hall and several municipal "sector buildings"
intended to improve service delivery province-wide. Other
priorities conveyed included road infrastructure repairs and
job creation programs. Both cautioned that previous lack of
communication between Maysani officials and Coalition Forces
had been an impediment to development, and insisted that all
projects should have DG approval before proceeding. The pace
of PRT engagement in Maysan is quickening and the PRT is
widening its circle of Maysani contacts after more than a
year without access to the province. An emerging theme is
the tenacious attempt by Maysani officials to ensure
provincial control over project identification, development,
and implementation. PRT continues to advocate for a more
flexible approach in partnership with civil society
organizations. End summary and comment.
PRT Holds First Meeting with Municipal Officials
-------------- ---
3. (C) PRT Municipal Advisor and USAID Representative met
with the Director of Maysan (Amarah) Municipalities, Ali
Hasoon, and the DG of Municipalities, Hussam Ahjarah, at Camp
Sparrowhawk in Amarah on July 15 to discuss immediate
municipal needs in the province. This was the PRT's first
meeting with the officials. Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi, advisor to
the Maysan governor, also attended.
List of Priorities
--------------
4. (C) Ali and Hussam said their immediate needs include
assistance to improve service delivery at the municipal
level. They emphasized that solid waste collection and
disposal are a top priority for local government. They told
us that they are in need of basic equipment, including
household containers and garbage bags. PRT Municipal Advisor
noted that the provincial government is in possession of
design plans for the construction of two landfills in the
province.
Proposal to Take Services to the People
--------------
5. (C) Ali also discussed the need for a town hall in
Amarah, estimating that construction would cost
approximately USD one million. Both officials proposed to
build seven "sector buildings" throughout the province to
expand service delivery by bringing municipal services closer
to Maysanis. They estimated that construction would cost
approximately USD 200,000 per building. PRTOffs agreed this
was a good idea due to the limited access a majority of
Maysanis have to transportation. Both officials added that
road infrastructure projects also remain high on their lists
of priorities. They told us that although they are utilizing
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer funding to build a USD three
million asphalt plant, they still do not have the equipment
to construct and repair roads.
Long-term Sustainable Job Creation is a Must
--------------
6. (C) Both officials emphasized that long-term sustainable
job creation is critical to local development. They said
that while construction generated by the proposed projects
will provide a small number of jobs, provincial and local
officials will need to focus on creating effective economic
development programs accompanied by enhanced vocational
training.
Maysanis Emphasize Importance of Communication
-------------- -
7. (C) As we concluded our meeting, both officials reminded
us that poor communication between Maysani
officials and Coalition Forces had impeded provincial
development, and insisted that all projects should have DG
approval before proceeding. PRTOffs explained that the
security situation had limited communication and USG
assistance to the province, but with the recent security
BAGHDAD 00002279 002 OF 002
gains the relationship has an opportunity to rapidly improve.
Both officials agreed to regularly scheduled meetings with
the PRT to discuss on-going projects and project proposals.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/22/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PINS ECON EAID IZ
SUBJECT: PRT MAYSAN: MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS LIST IMMEDIATE
NEEDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia for reasons 1.4 (
b) and (d).
1. (U) This is a PRT Maysan reporting cable.
Summary and Comment:
--------------
2. (C) The Director General (DG) of Municipalities and
Director of Maysan (Amarah) Municipalities identified solid
waste collection and disposal as a top priority during a July
15 meeting with PRT Municipal Advisor and USAID
representative. The officials also requested assistance to
build a town hall and several municipal "sector buildings"
intended to improve service delivery province-wide. Other
priorities conveyed included road infrastructure repairs and
job creation programs. Both cautioned that previous lack of
communication between Maysani officials and Coalition Forces
had been an impediment to development, and insisted that all
projects should have DG approval before proceeding. The pace
of PRT engagement in Maysan is quickening and the PRT is
widening its circle of Maysani contacts after more than a
year without access to the province. An emerging theme is
the tenacious attempt by Maysani officials to ensure
provincial control over project identification, development,
and implementation. PRT continues to advocate for a more
flexible approach in partnership with civil society
organizations. End summary and comment.
PRT Holds First Meeting with Municipal Officials
-------------- ---
3. (C) PRT Municipal Advisor and USAID Representative met
with the Director of Maysan (Amarah) Municipalities, Ali
Hasoon, and the DG of Municipalities, Hussam Ahjarah, at Camp
Sparrowhawk in Amarah on July 15 to discuss immediate
municipal needs in the province. This was the PRT's first
meeting with the officials. Zaid Khalaf al-Hoshi, advisor to
the Maysan governor, also attended.
List of Priorities
--------------
4. (C) Ali and Hussam said their immediate needs include
assistance to improve service delivery at the municipal
level. They emphasized that solid waste collection and
disposal are a top priority for local government. They told
us that they are in need of basic equipment, including
household containers and garbage bags. PRT Municipal Advisor
noted that the provincial government is in possession of
design plans for the construction of two landfills in the
province.
Proposal to Take Services to the People
--------------
5. (C) Ali also discussed the need for a town hall in
Amarah, estimating that construction would cost
approximately USD one million. Both officials proposed to
build seven "sector buildings" throughout the province to
expand service delivery by bringing municipal services closer
to Maysanis. They estimated that construction would cost
approximately USD 200,000 per building. PRTOffs agreed this
was a good idea due to the limited access a majority of
Maysanis have to transportation. Both officials added that
road infrastructure projects also remain high on their lists
of priorities. They told us that although they are utilizing
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer funding to build a USD three
million asphalt plant, they still do not have the equipment
to construct and repair roads.
Long-term Sustainable Job Creation is a Must
--------------
6. (C) Both officials emphasized that long-term sustainable
job creation is critical to local development. They said
that while construction generated by the proposed projects
will provide a small number of jobs, provincial and local
officials will need to focus on creating effective economic
development programs accompanied by enhanced vocational
training.
Maysanis Emphasize Importance of Communication
-------------- -
7. (C) As we concluded our meeting, both officials reminded
us that poor communication between Maysani
officials and Coalition Forces had impeded provincial
development, and insisted that all projects should have DG
approval before proceeding. PRTOffs explained that the
security situation had limited communication and USG
assistance to the province, but with the recent security
BAGHDAD 00002279 002 OF 002
gains the relationship has an opportunity to rapidly improve.
Both officials agreed to regularly scheduled meetings with
the PRT to discuss on-going projects and project proposals.
CROCKER