Photo By Maj. Anna Friederich | FOB KALSU, Iraq -- Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commander, Multi-National Division --...... read more read more
FOB KALSU, Iraq " Where there once was a thriving industrial complex in Iskandariyah, a city in northern Babil province, now stands a dilapidated and virtually silent group of buildings suffering from years of neglect.
The complex opened in 1972 and thrived for 18 years as a private company that helped boost Iskandaryiah's economy by producing more than 60,000 vehicles.
Currently, the only industry that sees activity in the complex is the Iraqi Ministry of Industries" truck, bus and trailer producing company. In its peak production years, the company was able to produce six buses each week and employ approximately 6,000 workers. Now, it builds four buses per month.
This reduction in output is not due to the reduction of workers but the lack of demand for the product. After the Gulf War, promised contracts never came to fruition, and the company became property of the government.
Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commander, Multi National Division-Baghdad, visited the factory Thursday with Lt. Col. James Howard, commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to see first hand the progress the factory has made with assistance from Coalition Forces and the Iraqi government. Thurman also met with the technical director for the complex, Sebah Khafaji, to discuss the way ahead.
Khafaji provided Thurman with a brief overview and tour of the factory. As they walked through the huge warehouse-like structures, Khafaji pointed out several pieces of vital equipment for bus production in dire need of repair.
"Our industry once provided jobs to most of Iskandariyah and Hateen, but now over 60 percent of the population is unemployed," said Khafaji. He expressed gratitude for the CF assistance and hopes for an independent future with opportunities for new markets and growth and therefore, greater employment for the local citizens.
"Our ultimate goal is to privatize the industry as the economy improves and the demand for transportation increases," said Khafaji.
"Getting men back to work will help break the back of the (terrorists)," he added.
Recently, 2-8 Inf. has helped organize meetings with tribal leaders, bringing them all together under one roof to discuss the future of the region.
"Bringing tribal leaders together, face-to-face, forces them to air differences and work together to resolve issues," said Howard. He said this has been a positive step towards helping the region progress and gain stability.
Thurman pledged his support to Khafaji to get the complex on its feet again and praised him for his initiative.
"I see tremendous opportunity in this region with industry and agriculture. If the Iraqi government continues to encourage Shia and Sunnis to work together, I have no doubt that this area will be very successful," concluded Thurman.
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 05.24.2006 10:01 |
| Story ID: | 6498 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 172 |
| Downloads: | 85 |
This work, MND-B commander visits industrial complex, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
