Photo By Staff Sgt. Garrettgarrett Ralston | Iraqi cargo trucks pass through a gate after loading cargo in Iran at the Zurbatiyah...... read more read more
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WASIT PROVINCE, Iraq – On the eastern border of Iraq and Iran in Zurbatiyah a large cargo complex lies inactive. A small gate in a cyclone fence allows only one truck at a time to pass through, sit for hours, and wait for inspection.
The complex has 150 dock spaces where trucks on either side could back up to transfer cargo from one truck to another. Each day trucks come through one by one and have to be unloaded, inspected, and then the cargo is passed to another truck. The process is extremely time consuming and hinders commerce on a daily basis.
“The constant back up of trucks at the port is very inconvenient,” said Col. A’laa Al Janabi, an Iraqi army commander in Wasit. “It slows the economy and prevents strict visibility of what comes into the country.”
The receiving and shipping of goods at the port currently requires that trucks bring their loads to the gate one at a time. They are escorted to the Iranian side where they are jammed together and inspected. Goods are moved from one vehicle to another with minimal supervision and, in some cases, change hands several times before being brought back to the Iraqi side. Iraqi inspectors are often unsure what has been transferred. Directly opposite this chaotic transfer sits an idle, two-sided loading dock that would streamline the process and allow for much closer inspection.
“An agreement between the government’s on either side will not allow for the fence line to be removed,” said Janabi. “Letters have been written addressing the problem, to no avail.”
A recent project at the port to develop better living and working space for Iraqi security forces is complete, and the cargo area will now have the necessary oversight to allow for secure and responsible use of the dock area. United States forces have been working closely with ISF in Wasit to prepare them for full responsibility of the region.
“The port in Zurbatiyah is essential to the economic progress of Iraqi people in Wasit and across Iraq,” said Col. Reginald E. Allen, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. “The rapid handling of cargo as well as security there is hindered by current methods.”
“ISF in Zurbatiyah are constantly progressing, and we will be prepared to handle the security requirements at the port,” said Janabi. “We need the loading area opened in order to make inspection and security faster and more efficient.”
“It is our wish to see Iraq prosper without outside influence,” said Allen. “Opening up the port to allow for the load it has the potential to handle will bring increased prosperity to the country, bringing Iraq closer to the sovereignty it has worked so hard for.”
| Date Taken: | 01.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.05.2011 08:21 |
| Story ID: | 63038 |
| Location: | WASIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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