Hillary Benn outlines Iraqi improvements

Hilary Benn has provided evidence of significant progress with reconstruction since Saddams regime was overthrown. The fruits of these labours are now shared throughout the country, whereas in the past, for example, electricity generated for the south would be diverted to Baghdad. (David Spector)

Parliamentary Answer

Iraq

Mr. Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of progress in restoring (a) electricity, (b) water, (c) sanitation, (d) health care and (e) education services in (i) Al Basrah, (ii) Al Muthanna, (iii) Dhi Qar and (iv) Maysan provinces in Iraq.

Hilary Benn: The Government of Iraq, supported by the UK and other donors, has made significant progress with reconstruction since 2003. But there is still a long way to go.

Once a relatively wealthy country with high levels of education and health care, by 2003 Iraq had suffered more than 20 years of conflict, mismanagement and chronic under-investment from a brutal regime. Continued violence, especially sabotage directed at key infrastructure, and low (but growing) levels of management capacity in Iraq’s national and local government have slowed progress. The UK and international community are committed to helping the new Iraqi Government tackle these challenges.

One challenge is the lack of data, especially at the regional and provincial level. The following information therefore covers the progress that has been made across Iraq, including regional detail only where this is available.

Electricity generation is more equitably distributed across Iraq than before 2003. Nearly 5,000 megawatts (MW) have been added to the national grid since 2003, but Iraq’s average electricity generation has not improved over that period. This is because at the same time as capacity is being added through reconstruction projects, breakdowns of the pre-existing dilapidated systems, shortages of fuel supplies and sabotage are reducing capacity. So Iraqis are not getting the full benefit of those extra megawatts. Demand for electricity also continues to rise dramatically, as the economy grows and more people own and use electrical goods such as fridges and air-conditioning units. The new Iraqi Government will be starting work on a long-term power sector strategy, with DFID’s support.

In the south, average electricity generation levels have increased from approximately 750 MW in January 2004 to over 1,000 MW in December 2005.

The south now receives its fair share of national power—whereas under Saddam’s regime, power was often diverted from the south to Baghdad.

To improve power supply in the south, DFID has:

Repaired transmission lines from Hartha power station to Basra city—securing electricity supplies for 1.5 million residents;

Improved power distribution to 13 areas of Basra.

By the end of 2006, we will have:

Established point power generators to provide 15 MW of back-up supplies in Dhi Qar and Maysan;

Added or secured a further 190 MW of electricity in the south, through our £40 million Iraq Infrastructure and Services Programme.

Water supplies have improved across the south since the end of the conflict, and sewage systems and water treatment plants are now operating again.

Before the conflict, no major sewage systems were operating. Immediate post-conflict work improved efficiency of water treatment plants and pumping stations. DFID has: provided technical advice for a major sewage installation in Al Amarah, providing up to half the city’s population with access to a piped system and replacing open sewage channels; improved the water supply to 60,000 people in Al Amtahiyah; started construction of reservoirs and water towers to benefit a further 200,000 people; constructed a water training centre which will train water engineers from Maysan, Muthanna, Basra and Dhi Qar provinces.

Health services are gradually being restored throughout Iraq. Hundreds of health care facilities have been rehabilitated and 240 hospitals and 1,200 primary health centres are now functioning. Through extensive disease control programmes, there has been a decline in the prevalence of leishmaniasis, malaria, measles, mumps, and polio. Japan and the US have rehabilitated a number of health care facilities in the south, as well as supplying essential equipment, ambulances and drugs. The US is constructing a new paediatric hospital in Basra, which will offer improved treatment to children with acute conditions across the south.

5,168 schools have been rehabilitated throughout Iraq, with a further 450 in progress. By the end of 2006, more than 133,000 primary school teachers and 47,500 secondary school teachers and administrators will have received training and technical support. In southern Iraq, the UN has rehabilitated schools and supplied textbooks, and is also rehabilitating vocational training institutes. Japan has provided textbooks to all primary schools in Muthanna. There are 465 schools operating in Maysan, and 348 in Muthanna.