Sadr City residents take pride in their neighborhood

Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi man digs a hole while making repairs to the sewer system in the Sadr City District of Baghdad. Following the fighting there earlier this year, the streets were filled with trash, sewage and other remnants of war. Now, the district has a functioning sewer system as well as a trash removal program to keep the streets free of debris.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.02.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By 2nd Lt. Clayton Merkly
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – In the not too distant past, Sadr City was considered by many to be one of the worst places to live in Iraq. There was trash in the streets, violence throughout the district, sewage-filled gutters that overflowed onto the roads and children played on trash piles containing concertina wire and rubble from houses – the remnants of the violent fighting that drove special groups elements out of the area.

Now, when Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, go on patrol they see a radically different landscape.

Parks have emerged from previously vacant lots; children run rampant, enjoying themselves on previously prohibited playgrounds. Trash piles disappear seemingly overnight and concertina wire no longer blocks sidewalks and passageways. The streets are clean. The sewers function as they are supposed to, thereby eliminating not only an offensive odor, but also a pressing health hazard to the citizens of Sadr City's Tharwa 1 neighborhood.

Buildings are freshly painted in bright colors and storefronts are redone to present a welcome appearance. While some of this work has been done by private business, much of it has been completed due to the efforts of Iraqis volunteering to clean their own sectors and neighborhoods. These local nationals are showing pride in their communities and it is beginning to show.

Recently, there was a big push to remove trash from the main streets and collect it into one or two locations for pick up by the Beladiyah, the office responsible for many of the public services in Iraq. U.S. forces have noticed and appreciated this effort.

"It is good to see the Iraqis cleaning their neighborhoods. After being here for almost eight months I am beginning to see a real change in attitudes of the people. The people are friendlier and while security is still our primary mission, I am able to enjoy both an educational and cultural experience each time I go out on patrol. We are definitely seeing results of our hard work during this deployment," said Spc. Richard Parr, a native of Nebraska who serves with Co. C, 1-35 AR, TF 1-6.

The overall effect of the volunteer efforts is a cleaner, and safer, Tharwa 1. Removing trash and painting buildings means it is harder to hide roadside bombs in trash piles and snipers cannot lurk in the bombed-out shells of buildings. The people will also benefit from a more hygienic environment.

"I feel safer out in sector," said Pfc. David Beveridge, a native of Virginia, who serves with Co. C, 1-35 AR, TF 1-6. "The clean streets make it easier to see obstacles and means that we can spot suspicious objects faster, saving both our own lives and any innocent bystanders."

A member of the District Advisory Council, a mid-level government official, and a local sheik gave their support by providing tools and labor for the many projects happening in Tharwa 1. Their participation is a clear signal to the people that it is time to unshackle themselves from the grip of special groups and instead enjoy the opportunity to better themselves and their communities.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2008
• Date Posted: 12.02.2008 10:11
• Story ID: 27082
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ