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Dept for International Development

Answer

Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what action the UK is taking to ensure emergency water and electricity supplies are provided to the citizens of Fallujah; [199840] (2) what assistance is being provided by the United Kingdom to restore essential utilities infrastructure to Fallujah; [199841] (3) what resources the UK plans to provide to assist in the re-building of Fallujah; [199842] (4) what emergency (a) medical supplies, (b) personnel and (c) equipment will be provided by the United Kingdom to assist those injured by coalition force attacks upon Fallujah. [199843] Hilary Benn: The Interim Iraqi Government (IIG) is leading on humanitarian and reconstruction work in Fallujah and has established a central team to co- ordinate its assistance to the people of Fallujah. This assistance includes: supplying food, water and medical supplies, restoring essential services, and refurbishing medical facilities. The UK is in close contact with the IIG, and DFID is providing advice to its Fallujah co- ordination team. The IIG and the Multi-National Force operating in Fallujah have reported that there is no humanitarian crisis so far and humanitarian visits to Fallujah by British military officials confirm this assessment. Multi- National Forces have reported that their stockpiles of humanitarian supplies have provided for the immediate needs of Fallujah's civilians. Iraqi Government and Iraqi Red Crescent trucks containing humanitarian supplies are now entering the city and the distribution of food, water, and medical supplies has begun. Injured civilians are being treated in mobile hospitals in Fallujah, or have been taken for treatment at hospitals in nearby towns. The Interim Iraqi Government (IIG) has also set aside significant funds from the Iraqi government budget for reconstruction work. The IIG is being supported by the Multi-National Force, which also has considerable resources for immediate post-conflict reconstruction work in Fallujah, including clearing rubble and the restoration of water, sewerage and electricity services. United States agencies have planned around 100 reconstruction projects in the Fallujah area totalling $84.1 million. These are due to begin soon and should complete by the end of January. DFID is maintaining close contact with the IIG, with representatives of Multi-National Force-Iraq, and with humanitarian organisations on the ground, to address the needs of Fallujah's population. DFID is ready to respond positively to requests for humanitarian help or further advice in Fallujah or elsewhere.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

428 c282-3W; 199840;199841;199842;199843

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Development aid Electricity Humanitarian aid Iraq Water Fallujah

Link

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