Rebuilding Iraq: Centcom Update on Task Force Baghdad

The U.S. Central Command has issued the following press release regarding the progress of Task Force Baghdad, the U.S. mission to rebuild Iraqi infrastructure following the fall of Saddam Hussein:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Since the transfer of sovereignty, a total of 1,451 projects valued at $1.4 billion have been completed. Large-scale capital projects like power plants, water treatment plants and oil infrastructure facilities are being reconstructed and, in some cases, built anew.

Demand for electricity is currently growing faster than it is able to be supplied; however, new power lines of 33 kilovolts have been completed. Generation plants are being built and transmission lines are being constructed to replace a decades-old, neglected electrical power system. A total of more than 2,000 megawatts of power have been added to the grid (enough to service 5.4 million Iraqi homes). More than 1,400 electrical towers and 8,600 kilometers of transmission lines have been installed.

Many sewer trunk lines have been cleaned or fixed. Work on the majority of sewer trunk lines continues and progress continues.

Each day, 50 million additional gallons of treated, drinkable water are being pumped to the Baghdad residents. New water wells and treatment facilities are in the progress of being constructed in addition to new delivery pipes being installed.

Solid waste (trash) is being removed from the majority of sites in the Baghdad area; with some areas having it removed at least twice a week.

More than 20 healthcare facilities have been renovated, with many others in the process of being renovated.

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