Hussein regime facility demolished to make way for EOD site

Basra – Demolition started in November on a 7-story building once used by the Saddam Hussein Regime as an internment and interrogation facility. Once demolition is complete a new Iraq SECFOR Fund (ISFF), EOD facility will be constructed on the site in the prov. of Basra.

---

According to Ken Bright, USACE-Gulf Region South project engr, the community as a whole is happy about the demolition and new construction, because the former Saddam Regime’s internment/interrogation facility held bad memories. “To quote the local Iraqi’s ‘many people were taken to the facility for actions that were not pleasing to the Hussein Regime, and they never came out alive,’” said Bright. It was known to the Iraqi people in the area as a place of evil. “The GRS Iraqi associates that I’ve talked to say ‘it’s a blessing from Allah that the building is being destroyed,’” Bright quoted. Demolition is expected to be complete by April 2010 with construction of the new compound beginning between June and August 2010. “The contractor is progressing well and is almost finished with the demolition of the 5th floor of the 7-story building,” Bright said. Construction completion of the new compound is expected in 2011.

---