MOSUL, Iraq - Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held on July 23 for two water stations built in the Qayyarah sub-district of Ninewa Province, south of Mosul.

These projects will dramatically increase the amount of homes that receive water and are a part of an ongoing campaign by the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment "Chargers", 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to provide the people of Iraq with essential goods and services.

The first ribbon cutting ceremony was at the renovated water station in Imam Sharqi. The project helped employ 30 local citizens for 60 days of work.

Prior to the renovations the local residents had to alternate which villages would receive water from day to day. Now all five villages can get water at the same time.

The ceremony was attended by Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment and local Iraqi government leaders.

The ceremony began with Mayor Saleh, Mayor of Qayyarah, cutting the ribbon. Mayor Saleh followed-up with comments to the local crowd that gathered.

Mayor Saleh thanked the U.S. for all the work and financial support on this project. He further stated that this project will supply water to 150 homes in five villages.

Lt. Col. Michael Fadden, commander of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, followed Mayor Saleh. "We're glad to be able to help the people, mayor and city council with this project," said Fadden.

The Charger Battalion's primary mission will be to further help the sub-district of Qayyarah with developing and executing reconstruction projects, said Fadden.

Following the ceremony all the guest departed to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Tal Ashaier water station.

The old water station, built in 1979, could only provide water to 150 homes. With the renovation, the water station will provide sufficient water to 600 homes.

The Tal Ashaier water station renovation, like the Imam Sharqi water station, employed 30 local workers for 60 days.

Mayor Saleh again thanked U.S. for their involvement on the project and further thanked the contractor, Turki Hilal Mubarak, for all of the extra items he included in the renovation.

The contractor had added a wall, an extra pump house, 1,000 meters of pipe, and nearly doubled the size of the sand filters.

Lt. Col. Fadden said the battalion was glad to help the people of Tall Ashaier.

"We just finished the water station and should be starting the Tall Ashaier Boys School soon," said Fadden.

He asked them to consider what they may need help with after the school and work through their city council and mayor.

"We will be here until the end of the year and will continue to help with projects as long as they're welcome," said Fadden.