Water pump station opens in Wahida

Photo By Pfc. Michael Schuch | Mr. Jawad, chairman of the Wahida City Council, receives the scissors to be used in the grand opening of the Wahida water pump station from the daughter of Abdul Kareem Sarir Shanta, the local Iraqi contractor responsible for repairing, maintaining and operating the station, during the ribbon cutting ceremony in Wahida, July 15.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IRAQ

07.18.2008

Story by Pfc. Michael Schuch 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Water flowed through Wahida irrigation canals for the first time in years, powered by a new pump station.

The opening of the new water pump was largely due to the combined efforts of Mr. Jawad, chairman of the Wahida City Council, and Abdul Kareem Sarir Shanta, a local Iraqi contractor. Together, they proudly attended the grand opening of the Wahida Water Pump Station, July 15.

"This project will supply water to irrigation canals and to the Iraqi people," said Shanta. "This will allow huge areas of our country to be revived."

Shanta took control of the project in early June 2008 and completed the project in 30 days; 60 days ahead of schedule. This project cost an estimated $250,000 and was paid for with the Commanders Emergency Response Program fund.

"This is one of the happiest days of my life," said Shanta. "I have done something good for my people. Anything I am able to give back to my country is good."

The station will provide nearly 2,500 square kilometers of Iraq with water to boost agricultural production.

"I would like to thank the Iraqi contractors that worked to restore and refurbish the station, getting water to the people of Wahida," said Jawad. "This is truly a great day for Wahida."

Shanta then signaled to a technician working in the station, who flipped a switch. The water flowed once more into irrigation canals, quenching the parched land. Wahida is ready for farmers and their crops, and will be able to flourish.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2008
• Date Posted: 07.18.2008 11:01
• Story ID: 21609
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ