Khidr residents attend an International Relief and Development meeting, May 8, at the Janine school in Khidr. (Army photo by 1st Lt. Marshall Tucker)
FOB ISKAN, Iraq (May 13, 2008) – Iraqi citizens came together to discuss economic development during an International Relief and Development meeting held, May 8, at the Janine school in Khidr, about 45 km south of Baghdad.
The meeting allowed them to talk with a representative from IRD and the Iskandariyah Nahia chairman.
Hassanin Hamid, IRD business development unit manager, discussed with the group what IRD can offer. He said he wanted to help by offering grants to those seeking to become involved with projects, said Capt. James Hart, commander of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Hassanin said as long as the project is feasible and beneficial to the individual and the area, he will fund it.
“This group is one of the (community stabilization programs) to help inject financial capital into the economy,” Hart said. “It was quite a motivating experience. Mr. Hassanin did an outstanding job exciting the people about this economic opportunity.”
The assembled group voiced a few concerns about electricity and clean water, and Sabah Kafaig, Iskandariyah Nahia chairman, helped people understand what their government is doing for them. Hassanin gave five packets out to local contractors and distributed applications to attendees from the local area. He fielded questions and urged them to make a difference and help rebuild the country of Iraq.
Once the applications are turned into the Iskandariyah Nahia Council, the IRD will call them when the grant is ready for disbursal. They will also conduct future inspections to ensure money was used wisely.