Written question asked by Bridget Prentice (Labour) on Monday, 19 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 June 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to what extent UK forces and aid workers have restored (a) electrical power and (b) water resources to homes in Basra; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures.

Answer: Ms Bridget Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent UK forces and aid workers have restored (a) electrical power and (b) water resources to homes in Basra; and if he will make a statement. [115347] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Power, water and sewerage systems in Basra were in a poor state before the recent conflict. Royal Engineers are playing a vital role in repairing and restoring Iraqi power supplies. 80 per cent. of Basra now has power and access to running water, which is substantially better than before the conflict. UK forces and NGOs are working to replenish water treatment chemicals and 75 per cent. of the city is covered by a sewerage system. Forces have been working to secure conditions for UN agencies and NGOs to take over responsibility for humanitarian relief. UNICEF is planning to fund the repair of the water pipeline between Umm Qasr and Basra. Coalition engineers are working with Powergen to re-establish the national grid.

Secondary information