$3.4 million of Iraq reconstruction funds invested in schools (28/03/05)

Millions of dollars in Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Funds (IRRF) are being spent to repair and reconstruct schools throughout Iraq. The majority of the reconstruction work is being done by local Iraqi companies. “The future of any country lies with its children,” said Linda Carter, construction representative for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Kirkuk area office.

“Schools are instrumental in the proper development of our children. It’s difficult to learn in buildings that are overcrowded and in disrepair.”

Over $2 million is being spent on 38 school renovations

Currently, over $2 million is being spent on 38 school renovations in the province of Kirkuk. There is an additional $1.4 million available that is expected to be used on eight more schools. That contract is currently out for bidding. So far, three schools have been completed and an additional eight are scheduled for completion this month.

The schools being reconstructed were selected from a priority list provided by the province’s director general of Education. The DG provided a list of 80 schools in need of renovation and repair.

The plan is to repair as many schools as possible with the available $3.4 million. Knowing that the available reconstruction dollars will only go so far, the education department is looking for other funding sites.

“We have been working through the International Bank to identify funds for renovation and new school construction, as well as supplies and equipment,” said Fawzia Abdulla Awanis, acting DG of Education in Kirkuk. “We have also been supplied some funding from the Ministry of Education in Baghdad to build 12 new secondary and primary schools and six kindergartens, as well as funds for renovating approximately 68 schools.”

“These school renovation projects are important because they represent an investment in the future of this country,” said Mike Gilchrist, project engineer in the Kirkuk area office. “This work is improving the environment where the next generation of Iraqi decision-makers will start their education. The children will benefit from a clean, pleasant, renovated, well-equipped school in which to learn.”

Source: PortalIraq