From ' American Forces Press Service': BASRA, Iraq (May 7, 2008) – Citizens of Basra, the third-largest city in Iraq, celebrated the opening yesterday of a central market that demonstrated a return of peace and prosperity to an area that until recently was a stronghold of Shia militias. Schools closed early as families from the Jameat district gathered with local dignitaries, investors and media to watch the ceremonial opening of the Jameat Market, Multinational Corps Iraq officials reported. "I am pleased to open the Jameat Market, which is an excellent example of the many projects contributing to the rebuilding of Iraq," said Nigel Haywood, the British consular general in southern Iraq. "This project will help establish prosperity in Basra."
Iraqi children at opening of Jameat Market, Basra - May 6.
The market was built on the site where the Jameat police station was destroyed Dec. 25, 2006. The construction of the market was paid for by coalition reconstruction funds, in conjunction with the provincial council. Local Iraqis built the market, which was completed on March 23 at a total cost of about $1 million, officials said. The market is expected to open for business within 30 days, and vendors already have rented many stalls, officials said. Traditionally, markets are a community focal point in Iraqi culture, and officials are considering proposals for similar markets in other areas of Basra.
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