USAID's unique quick- impact programs play an essential role in Iraq, linking short-term emergency programs with longer-term reconstruction. They are a key in helping governments and citizens rebuild confidence by providing jobs for local citizens, supplies for reconstruction efforts, immediate humanitarian assistance, and functional infrastructure repairs. At the request of President Bush, the Iraq sanctions have been removed by the U.N. Security Council, clearing the way for additional humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance.

• Re-established the country's Public Distribution system in less than 30 days so that the Iraqi people were again fed and a humanitarian crisis, predicted by some, never materialized.
• Engaged with local communities to support community projects, such as work initiated by town councils and repairing schools and sports facilities.
• Maintained generators along the Tigris River, providing 1.7 million citizens in Mosul with electricity.
• Provided work for 16,000 people cleaning up debris and refuse in al Thawra (formerly Saddam City).
• Worked in Kirkuk to supply water testing equipment, refurbish the fire station, and furnish instructional materials for primary schools.
• Is restoring ministries and public buildings, such as the ministries of Justice, Irrigation, and Finance, as well as reviewing proposals for the Central Bank and 30 other ministries and commissions. Government offices are being supplied with a "Ministry-in-a-Box"-computers, copiers, communications equipment, supplies, and furniture.

More Information:

• Sector Snapshot: Building Confidence with Quick-Impact Programs (pdf - 228k)