Photo By Master Sgt. Jerry Saslav | 2nd Lt. Wesam Mohamad, a native of Baghdad, Iraq, currently assaigned to the...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jerry Saslav
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD – At first glance it doesn't look like much: a construction site with a large wooden box strapped to a forklift, a crane, approximately 15 Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, and a small pile of equipment.
Such was the humble beginning of a project designed to deter militant and extremist activity, improve public safety and security, and ease the burdens on the growing Iraqi infrastructure.
Street lights are being installed – solar-powered street lights to be precise.
"The 4th Infantry Division has been the driving force through this project. (They) came in and said, 'We want to do something to help the people, the Iraqi security Forces,'" said Capt. Adam Levitt, a native of El Paso, Texas, who is currently serving on a military transition team from 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, as the engineer advisor for the 6th Iraqi Army Division.
From day one, the project has come from the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B, he said.
Levitt, along with Darryl Steadman, who is a civilian advisor, a translator and approximately ten IA soldiers, began to install the first four of 100 solar powered street lights June 19.
Since the lights are solar powered, they do not place any burden on the Iraqi electrical grid.
"Right now, the infrastructure won't support it (this many new lights). Although Iraq is working on the electrical grid and the infrastructure ... it's not quick enough; we need something now, and this seems to be a pretty good solution," said Steadman, a native of Denver, who is part of the military assistance team and Iraqi assistance group for the 6th IA Div., military transition team, 4th Inf. Div. Steadman is currently working with the 6th IA Div.'s engineer battalion.
The lights also have other benefits.
"We know this (project) is going to make a direct impact on the populace," said Levitt. "It's removing the darkness, the safe haven for the terrorists, for criminal activity."
Areas of little or no visibility around the road lend themselves to the emplacement of explosively formed projectiles and improvised-explosive devices, said Steadman. The lights will also benefit Iraqi Army soldiers, who work at nearby tactical check points and entry control points.
"We're already getting feedback from some of the guy's out at the TCPs. (They) are getting pretty excited that they're going to have some light," said Steadman.
According to Col. Ahmed Khalifa, a native of Baghdad, who serves as the commander of the engineer battalion, the lights will provide the only light at night for some areas.
The installation of the first lights went smoothly. A group of IA soldiers set the light pole into place and, with Steadman's assistance, made sure it was level and secured into place. Two other IA soldiers, in a wooden box attached to the forklift, bolted the light fixture, solar panel and its support equipment into place.
"They want to be involved in this on a level that will show at least us, as advisors ... that they can handle this on their own and that they're ready to take on their mission with very little help or assistance from U.S. or coalition forces," said Steadman.
"This project has been extremely rewarding. There is something very special about seeing something evolve right in front of your eyes," said Levitt. "Everybody's picking up a wrench; everybody's carrying heavy equipment. You don't need a translator for that."
For Steadman, who served in Iraq in 2003-2004 as a member of the U.S. military, said that although he feels Iraq still has work to do, the country has come a long way.
"I think this gives confidence to the people. People are driving up and down and seeing lights going in. What kind of message does this give to the people? We're here to help, and we're going forward; we're not stagnant," said Steadman.
The lights, which cost approximately $4,000 each, will eventually be placed in the Muthana, Douhra, Ghazaliya and Abu Ghuraib sections of Baghdad and in the city of Taji.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2008 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 20747 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 250 |
| Downloads: | 235 |
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