An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Dec. 3, 2008

Canal project to 'change the face of Baghdad'

By Scott Flenner , American Forces Press Service

Gen. Abud Kanbar-Hashim, commander of Iraqi Operation Baghdad, shovels the first bits of dirt Dec. 1 to mark the beginning of a project to dredge and refurbish the Iraqi capital’s Army Canal.
Gen. Abud Kanbar-Hashim, commander of Iraqi Operation Baghdad, shovels the first bits of dirt Dec. 1 to mark the beginning of a project to dredge and refurbish the Iraqi capital’s Army Canal.

BAGHDAD (Dec. 2, 2008) – Iraqi civilian and military dignitaries broke ground on the Army Canal Rehabilitation Project in Baghdad’s Sadr City district Monday.

The ceremonial groundbreaking marked the beginning of a commitment by the Iraqi government to spend $50 million during the next three years in reconstruction efforts along the al-Kanat Road and surrounding areas.

The Army Canal, which runs more than 15 miles from Adhamiyah in northeastern Baghdad to Rustimiyah in southeastern Baghdad, was built in 1959 by Abd al-Kassem Quassim, then president of Iraq. The canal was meant to provide fresh drinking water and irrigation to the people of northeastern Baghdad, but after years of damage and sediment buildup, the canal has been unable to provide water for the people who rely so heavily upon it.

Construction for the refurbishment project is scheduled to begin Dec. 17.

“This marks a source of hope for the Iraqi people and an example of what the future holds,” said Naeem Abub Misayd al-Kabi, deputy mayor of Baghdad.

The Army Canal rebuilding is the first step in an extensive three-year plan by the Iraqi government to improve the capital city. In conjunction with the canal project, the Sadr al-Kanat pump station will be refurbished, several parks and recreational areas will be built, numerous shops and stores will be created, and trees and plants will be sown along the canal.

The project has the potential to employ more than 50,000 people through its lifespan while improving essential services for the city’s residents.

“This project will change the face of Baghdad,” said Mayor Navet Alessawi said during yesterday’s ceremony.