Soldiers Coordinate Abassi Cleanup

Story and photo by Sgt. Michael Tuttle
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

ABASSI — A group of 25th Infantry Division Soldiers visited the mayor’s office here recently to gauge the progress of a city cleanup project funded by Coalition Forces.

The project employs residents of the district of Abassi to clean the city, where previously there were no means to remove refuse.

In addition to providing work for the residents, the project has several other benefits, said Capt. Christopher Braden, commander, B Co., 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
“The project is instilling pride in the people and exercising legitimacy in the government,” he said.

Abassi Mayor Jethel Hussein keeps records of how much each person in the project works. Every 10 days, when employees come to his office to be paid, they check the record book to ensure its accuracy.

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(Photo: Capt. Christopher Barden, B Co. commander, 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division speaks with Abassii Mayor Jethel Hussein at the mayor's office about the ongoing city cleanup project. The project, funded by Coalition Forces, employs local Iraqis to clean Abassi streets.)