Najaf - George Farag
gfarag@hotmail.com

SC Region - Hilary F. White
hilary.white@CPA-IQ.ORG

Najaf Province Receives Money for Multiple Projects

Najaf, Iraq. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Najaf recently gave more than $110,000 (198,000,000 Iraqi Dinars*) for community initiatives. Seized from the former regime assets, the money is now being used for the Iraqi people.

CPA-Najaf bought more than 25 computers for government offices and schools, as well as vehicles for the police departments and the water department. The money purchased video equipment for Kufa University, which students will use to record lectures for other students. The Elgheri Police Department received funds for plumbing, window repairs, and two cars. The funding also provided the Najaf Traffic Police with a new tow truck.

Part of the amount was used to purchase computers for the Hope Foundation, which helps children who lost parents during Iraq's previous wars. Using the new computers, the Hope Foundation will provide computer training for the children.

CPA-Najaf repaired two school buses with the money, so that children from the Najaf Deaf & Mute School did not have to continue walking several miles back and forth to school, as they had done before. Finally, the money provided a new water pump to help citizens in rural Najaf bring clean drinking water closer to their homes. All the purchased items were bought from the local economy where available.

Assisting the people in Najaf Province is an important goal for the Coalition Provisional Authority. It is part of a larger initiative to help Iraqis as they move toward democracy and a sovereign government. Additional funding projects will be announced in the coming weeks.