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Dept for International Development

Answer

Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent estimate had been made of the state of essential civilian infrastructure prior to the commencement of the military conflict in Iraq; and what plans his Department prepared for maintenance and repairs of the infrastructure. [150223] Hilary Benn: United Nations and NGO organisations active in Iraq made assessments of civilian infrastructure prior to the conflict. These included United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, International Committee Red Cross and CARE International UK. The Joint Needs Assessment prepared by the UN and World Bank before the Madrid Donors' Conference in October 2003 also assessed the condition of infrastructure pre and post conflict. The Department's assistance prior to the conflict and in the immediate aftermath was largely channelled through United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and NGOs. These organisations had experience of working in Iraq, well- established local networks and a capacity to deliver assistance on the ground. They were able to move back into Iraq quickly after the major conflict ended and set up effective humanitarian operations. The Department helped these organisations to prepare for the post conflict phase. As it became clear that the continuing insecurity meant that the UN was unable to operate in Iraq, we provided support to essential infrastructure in Southern Iraq. This was also informed by the needs assessment work in the lead-up to the Madrid Conference in October, following which we committed £20 million as a contribution to a US$127 million CPA Essential Services Programme for the restoration of essential infrastructure in Southern Iraq.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

417 c418-9W; 150223

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed conflict International assistance Infrastructure Iraq Repairs and maintenance Reconstruction Iraq conflict

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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