May 23, 2007

Improving Fallujah’s Quality of Life

By Norris Jones
Gulf Region Central

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Maj. Angel Ortiz says he and his staff have the job of rebuilding Fallujah, despite the ongoing threats. He’s working in one of the most challenging areas in Iraq.

“Our hope is to do some good so that residents there see things are getting better,” said Ortiz. Ortiz is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division Fallujah Resident Office officer in charge and supervises a staff of 22 people including eight Iraqis. “Those local nationals are risking their lives every day going out and visiting the projects to ensure our contractors are providing quality construction in a safe manner,” he explained.

“We’re managing 87 projects in Fallujah and the surrounding area valued at $195 million. We’re working on rebuilding Fallujah’s entire electrical distribution system, constructing four primary healthcare centers each capable of providing medical care to 150 patients daily, and expanding the city’s water treatment capabilities,” Ortiz continued.

“My favorite project is the wastewater treatment system that will replace the city’s reliance on septic tanks. That $80 million effort includes pump stations, trunk mains, and a modern sewer treatment plant. It will get the sewage off the street and out of the Euphrates River, benefiting this area for decades to come.”

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