PRT MAYSAN: MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS LIST IMMEDIATE

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