HILLAH, Iraq - The ancient city of Al Hillah, Iraq, capital of Babil province, was originally established by the Bani Assad tribe in 1012. The Bani Assad, which translates to sons of the lion, are said to be descendents of Ishmael the son of Abraham. Historians say that the Bani Assad built its reputation as one of the most famous Arab tribes through its military prowess, by giving help and refuge to the weak and by restoring justice and dignity to those treated unfairly.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping Al Hillah return to that former prominence with the construction of the Al Hillah Courthouse.
The $7.2 million construction project is managed by the USACE Gulf Region District, Forat Resident Office. The new courthouse will centralize the justice department offices in Al Hillah, according to Maj. Andrew Staiano, officer in charge of the Forat Resident Office. "I'm excited that we are able to provide a safe, modern facility for the judges and their staff thus allowing them the opportunity to focus their efforts on enforcing the rule of law across the province," Staiano said. "This facility benefits not only the local population, but also the stability within the region and helps Iraqis move toward a more stable and secure environment."
The courthouse complex includes a main building with two large courtrooms, three mini courtrooms and office space for the judiciary, attorneys and various departmental administrative staffs. Within the courthouse are six clerk kiosks and two cafeteria kiosks. The complex also houses a water compact unit, a maintenance building with a workshop, a water storage tank, a primary power transformer unit and two diesel emergency backup generators.
Security measures at the courthouse complex include a central entry control point with security cameras and motion sensors throughout the buildings.
The Iraqi owned Al Furat, Al Awsat, Al Mushrak Group is serving as the general contractor for the courthouse project. Funding for the project was provided through the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund. The facility is scheduled to be completed by mid June 2010.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has completed thousands of reconstruction projects in partnership with the U.S. government and the government of Iraq, including 80 courthouses and correctional facilities. Since 2004, USACE has completed 5,257 projects throughout Iraq valued at more than $9.1 billion, and has more than 250 projects ongoing. The overall reconstruction effort in Iraq currently provides jobs for more than 20,000 Iraqis.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.23.2010 09:08 |
| Story ID: | 50123 |
| Location: | AL HILLAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 251 |
| Downloads: | 221 |
This work, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completing finishing touches on Al Hillah courthouse complex, by Michael Scheck, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
