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Reopening of the Umm Qasr to Basrah rail line

On 19 April, the British Army's 102 Logistic Brigade saw off the first Umm Qasr to Basrah train since Coalition troops arrived in the Middle East, from the port town of Umm Qasr. Pictures can be seen here

Members of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, worked alongside local railway workers to repair the line and locate and refurbish rolling stock.

The railway represents the only reliable public transport for local people, as well as the main method for goods to be moved from the newly opened port. The opening of the railway represents a return to normality in southern Iraq. It is essential for the port to continue working efficiently under the supervision of the Iraqi people and the British Army's 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, who ensure its smooth day-to-day running.

Commander of the rail troop, Lieutenant Liz Davis, remarked on the enthusiasm of the local railway workers in their return to work and overall effort. She said:

"The Iraqi people have responded extremely positively. It marks a return to normality for them."

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Umm Qasr interim committee. Chairman Najin Abd Mahdi welcomed the opening as a positive move towards rebuilding Iraq following the removal of the regime. He said:

"This is an achievement which demonstrates the co-operation of British forces and the Iraqi people. Now we are free, we can work to build a new Iraq."

Media Ops 1 (UK) Armoured Division
Briefing on Civil Administration in the UK Area of Operations 18 April 2003

Headlines

Speaking today at a briefing on civil administration in the UK Area of Operations (AO) of Basrah and Maysan Provinces, British military and policy officials confirmed that:

• Coalition Forces are working to provide an initial stable environment for aid agencies and structural engineers to operate in. British Royal Engineers are only able to provide the preliminary groundwork for these agencies and specialists to restore Iraqi infrastructure.
• There is no humanitarian crisis or food crisis in the British AO.
• Coalition Forces have re-established 60% of water distribution in Basrah city.
• Stand-by generators supporting the national grid in the AO are on line. Royal Engineers and Powergen are now on the ground assessing requirements to re-establish the national grid.
• An estimated 3 months of basic medical supplies are in the health system, though specific shortages are still occurring in specialist healthcare fields.
• All hospitals have been provided with power and water supplies.
• Coalition Forces have successfully established a number of committees in major centres of populations to engage with the local population to restore public services and the local economy.

Water
British Forces found an ageing and unreliable water system and fragile pipe distribution network in place. Royal Engineers and NGOs have been working as a priority to ensure that water is provided to the civilian population, fix immediate distribution problems and look in detail at infrastructure requirements.

60% of the water distribution system has now been re-established. 400,000 litres of tankered water and 50,000 litres of bottled water are being delivered to Basrah each day. British Forces are checking water pipes to reduce sporadic acts of sabotage on the water system. A reverse osmosis plant should open today, providing a further 400,000 litres of water.

Power
Coalition Forces assess that the power infrastructure has not been working correctly for a number of years. Stand-by generators on now on line to support the national grid, and Coalition Forces and representatives from Powergen are now working to reinstate the national grid as soon as possible. There has been a shortage of fuel, currently being addressed.

Food
There is no food crisis within the British AO. The lead food agency has conservatively estimated that households have food until the end of May. British Forces have identified that much of the food distribution infrastructure is largely in place but suffering from a lack of investment prior to the conflict. The re-opening of the rail link from Basrah to the Port of Um Qasr by British Forces on Saturday 19 April will be a significant step forward assisting the movement of food supplies.

Health Services
British Forces found that health provision within the AO has previously been provided on a two tier system, with those favoured by the Ba'ath regime receiving better treatment. British Forces have now seen a significant shift of power in medical establishments since the regime collapsed, with younger members of the medical services ousting Ba'athists operating within the medical system.

There are no significant problems within the medical system which has approximately three months medical supplies in place for all but some specialist areas. Drugs are being supplied via the central pharmacy and redistributed to health facilities according to the existing system. British Forces have successfully ensured that hospitals in the AO have received power and fuel, and they are now closely monitoring the health situation in light of the annual cholera threat.

Fuel
British Forces continue to provide fuel to ensure that essential services function. Royal Engineers are currently investigating the feasibility of returning the Basrah refinery to production; however, initial assessments suggest that this has not been used for a number of years prior to the conflict.

Civilian Administration
Though less than two weeks since the downfall of the regime in Basrah and Maysan provinces British Forces have already identified emerging groups of locals interested in engaging with British Forces to rebuild their country.

Throughout the province a number of localised committees have now been established under the direction of Brigade Commanders, British Forces. These committees are explicitly non political. Whilst British Forces recognise that some of those who have come forward may in turn be future political leaders, these committees are interim temporary measures only. British Forces are not appointing the future leaders of Basrah or Maysan provinces.

Whilst ultimately responsible for security in the AO, Brigade Commanders are encouraging, through local committees, the return to work of public officials. Police officers, teachers and civil administrators are slowly returning to work. Payment of salaries for public officials continues to be a high priority. British Forces are not currently paying public officials, and a system of payment for public officials will shortly be agreed by ORHA. Civilians employed by the military are being paid between $10, $15 and $22 a month depending upon skill levels.

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