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Dept for International Development

Answer

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the (a) present living conditions of the civilian population in Fallujah and (b) the availability within Fallujah of water and heating facilities. [203610] Hilary Benn: DFID advisers working with the Interim Iraqi Government (IIG) estimate that most of the population of Fallujah left the city before the recent outbreak of fighting, and that only about 1,500 people remain there. Electricity and water infrastructure was damaged during the course of military action. However, Iraqi and Multi-National Forces supplied water to civilians as they moved into the city. The IIG and US forces had also stockpiled supplies of water, food and medicine prior to the military operation. The IIG, the Multi- National Force (MNF), and the Red Cross and Iraqi Red Crescent continue to deliver water, food, medical supplies, and shelter to the civilians remaining in Fallujah. The IIG is in control of the humanitarian and reconstruction work in Fallujah. Significant funds from the Iraqi budget have been set aside so that the city's buildings and services can be rehabilitated. The IIG has established a cross-ministry Fallujah team to coordinate aid and reconstruction for the people of Fallujah. DFID is providing technical advice to the IIG Fallujah team. United States forces and development agencies are also planning to carry out rapid repairs to damaged infrastructure in Fallujah, to ensure that the population has access to basic services as soon as possible. The majority of Fallujah's population is staying with host families and in public buildings in the surrounding area, and in Baghdad. The Iraqi Ministry of Health is delivering essential supplies to the displaced population, and is providing shelter and blankets to those not under hard cover. The IIG is planning, with the military forces operating in the area; for the return of Fallujah's population to the city as soon as it is safe and essential services are in place.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

203610; 428 c819-20W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Development aid Civilians Humanitarian aid Iraq Internally displaced people Fallujah

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk