Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080506-11
May 6, 2008

Iraqi leaders cut ribbon on grand opening of Jameat Market (Basrah)

By Royal Air Force Cpt. R. I. Cole and U.S. Army Pfc. Eric Glassey Multi-National Division - South East PAO

BASRAH, Iraq – The newly constructed Jameat Market held its grand opening in Basra, Iraq, May 6.

Deputy Chairman of the Basra Provincial Council, Nassaif Jasim Ali Ebodi and Chairman of the Provincial Reconstruction Deployment Committee, Ghali Najem presided over the ceremony that opened the market.

The al Jameat district was once one of the most notorious areas of Basra.

Until recently, it was a stronghold of the Shia militias, but now it hosted dignitaries from the Provincial Council, local businessmen, potential investors and the local media.

The market’s opening is considered to be another success from Operation Charge of the Knights.

Peace and security has been restored to the streets of Basra, while only a small Iraqi Army and Police presence can be seen.

The market was built on the site of the Jameat Police Station.

This location was once home to the Serious Crimes Unit, which was destroyed on Dec. 25, 2006 during Operation SINBAD. The construction of the market was paid for by Coalition reconstruction funds, working in conjunction with the Provincial Council.

Local Iraqi labour built the market, which was completed on March 23 at a total cost of about $1 million dollars.

Many potential traders have already registered to rent stalls.

The market is expected to open for business within 30 days, bring employment and economic prosperity to the district. Traditionally, markets have always acted as community focal points in Iraq. In fact, many women and children also attended the opening ceremony because they had been let out of school early to watch the community building event.

“I am pleased to open the Jameat Market, which is an excellent example of the many projects contributing to the re-building of Iraq,” said Nigel Haywood, the British Consular General.

He is Britain’s most senior representative in Southern Iraq. “This project will help establish prosperity in Basra.”

Proposals for similar markets in other districts of Basra are being considered to build on the success of the Jameat Market.

Photos highlighting this event are available upon request from the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) by calling (678) 421-6604 or by accessing the DVIDS Web site at www.dvidshub.net.

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