AMARAH — Construction of the Iraqi Army’s (IA) new Maymona Location Command in southeast Iraq is on schedule for completion by September, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  The $35.9 million project, overseen by USACE’s Gulf Region Division (GRD), will provide a base for 1,000 Iraqi Soldiers.

“This location command will support Iraqi Army units stationed in our area,” explained Ali Abdul, the Iraqi engineer overseeing construction for the GRD. “It will ensure our Iraqi Soldiers have the supplies they need as they improve security in our area.”

Shelly Carter, a GRD construction representative, says the Iraqi contractor is making great progress.

“The Maymona Location Command will support Iraqi Army units safeguarding Maysan neighborhoods,” she explained.  “Every time I visit the site, I see the pride local Iraqi construction workers exhibit doing their jobs. Of those I’ve talked to, they’re happy to be part of this crew, building this project that will benefit their community for years to come.”

The completed compound, located south of Maysan’s provincial capital, Amarah, includes dozens of structures that will provide life support and operational support for the command’s operations.  Facilities include warehouses, barracks, a headquarters facility, fueling depot, ammunition supply point, a dining facility, ice plant, laundry, medical clinic, fire station, and water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Currently, nearly 150 local Iraqis are working at the site. “It’s great to be part of this effort,” said Abdul, who is a lifelong resident of Maysan.  In addition to his work at the location command, Ali is overseeing several other projects in Maysan, including two road projects and the construction of a new surgical hospital.

USACE projects all over Iraq are helping to build a secure and stable nation.  Currently USACE has 236 military and security-related projects ongoing in Iraq, valued at $2.1 billion.