FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Kirkuk, Iraq- Like any place else, residents of Arafa district in Kirkuk city, Iraq, rely on their city council representatives to get projects accomplished in their district.
The chance to speak to district representatives, district police and members from public works sections such as water and electricity came May 7, at the Arafa District Police Station.
"It used to be very infrequent for members of the city council to hear from the people of the city," explained Capt. Stephen Clark, the information operations officer for 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. "We helped come up with an idea to bring the citizens into IP headquarters, invite political leaders, and bring everyone together so that the citizens could talk to the people directly responsible for fixing their issues."
"This is the beginning steps in getting representatives out there helping their city," said Clark.
For 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt. and the IP, this is the second round of these meetings in Arafa District.
"We are going to work on getting projects going faster that will improve the city's water and education," said Brig. Gen. Borhan, the Kirkuk inner-city police chief. "We are working very hard to make this city as great as it once was."
Borhan also explained who the residents need to talk to when they need help in the future.
"The district council members are your representatives," he explained. "They are there to address your concerns. Give them a chance, and bring your problems to them."
"The council was built to serve the community of Kirkuk," said Khalel al-Assi, a district council representative. "These kind of meetings are an opportunity for you [the people of Kirkuk city] to bring your issues to our attention. We are here and ready to listen to you."
During the meeting, Kirkuk residents brought problems with the water, electricity, trash pickup services and other issues.
Although unable to address every issue, the Arafa district council members and IP leaders addressed as much as they could.
"We have begun to remove barriers from around busy locations to allow free movement of the citizens," explained Borhan.
"We are also working on building canals to divert sewage water out of the city," said Khalel.
According to Khalel, several other projects that will help clean Kirkuk will only be accomplished with the help of the residents of the city.
"We need the support of the people to help clean the streets of Kirkuk," he explained.
Additional projects were discussed, and the district council is just waiting on one key thing to get some new ones started.
"As soon as the new money for 2009 is allotted, we will begin submitting new projects to improve the Arafa area," said Khalel.
According to Clark, these meetings in Arafa will continue to happen every few weeks, and the overall goal is to keep them going long after U.S. Military forces leave Iraq.
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