KIRKUK — For residents of the villages of Qalata and Khalkhalan, access to clean drinking water is not as easy as simply going to the faucet. The current water purification plant that supplied both villages is no longer operational, requiring residents to travel to a nearby city for clean water. But soon the nearly 7,000 residents of these villages will have fresh water flowing from their pumps.
“Local contractors are set to begin refitting the old water purification plant so it produces water people can actually drink,” said Hameed Faqi, the director of municipality for the villages.
“Right now all you can use the water from the old plant for is washing clothes and showering,” said Othman Hassen, a member of the district council.
The residents of the village are basically getting water straight from the river pumped to them, said Hameed. The plant will be outfitted with 4 new containers and new water filtration systems, allowing an output of 200 cubic meters per hour of clean drinking water, Hameed said.
“This was the number one project on their list,” said Capt. Juan Cantu, ops officer for 3rd Bn, 82nd FAR. “Projects like this build the trust that residents have for their city council members because it shows they are taking the initiative and making things better.”
“Everyone is very excited about the renovations,” said Hassen. “The people of the villages will no longer have to worry about getting sick from drinking this water; it will be safe.”
