COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

South-Central Region

PRESS RELEASE

 Thursday, September 11, 2003

distributions made to babil province for area projects

Al Hilla, Babil Province.  The Coalition Provisional Authority South-Central today provided more than $869,000 (1.65 billion Iraqi Dinars *) in community projects.  The projects will employ local people from Babil Province.       

The projects will repair the oil download pumping station, provide equipment for Facilities Protection Services, and assist with the upcoming Shayk conference.

CPA believes a good educational system is essential as Iraq progresses toward self-government.  The funds also include $669,000 (1.27 billion Iraqi Dinars *) for schools in Babil Province.  Of that amount, 1040 schools in Babil Province will each receive $500 (950,000 Iraqi Dinars *).  CPA will use the rest of the money, $149,000 (283 million Iraqi Dinars *), to build a school.  Repairing and improving schools creates a better learning environment for children and increases opportunities for their futures as they learn in a free Iraq. 

Assisting the people in Babil Province is an important goal for the Coalition Provisional Authority.  Today’s money brings the total given during the last two months to $3.15 million (5.98 billion Iraqi Dinars *) for community projects in Babil Province.

It is part of a larger initiative to help Iraqis as they move forward toward democracy.  CPA South-Central will announce other projects in the coming weeks.

* Assuming $1 equal 1,900 Iraqi Dinars.