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Resettlement Update for Fallujah

Fallujah, Iraq -- The Bazar and Sook Districts of the city were opened to returning residents by the interim Iraqi government on Dec. 26 and Dec. 28 respectively.

"It seems the bulk of returnees are male head's of households coming to inspect their homes and look into the process of applying for assistance. We are doing everything we can, in conjunction with the Iraqi Interim Government to restore the city of Fallujah and make it safe for its residents." said Lt. Col. Daniel H. Wilson, operations officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Although delays at the entry points are being reported, operational teams from the 4th Civil Affairs Group are trouble shooting the process and will streamline the identification of priority contractors and personnel to ease their movement into the city.

Almost 500 people have visited the Jolan Park Humanitarian Aide Site since the opening day. More than 3400 meals and bottles of water were distributed in total. Marines reporting from the site say things are running well and everyone is cooperating.

Rising water continues to be a challenge. US Navy Seabees restarted operation at the pump station on the south side of the city in order to mitigate the situation. Public works employees returned to the remaining pump stations to continue the removal of water throughout the rest of the city. The lift stations need to be operated virtually 24 hours a day to keep water levels manageable and to prevent potential disease caused by standing water.

Fifteen trucks of propane gas canisters arrived Sunday. The Ministry of Oil is preparing to distribute the fuel throughout occupied neighborhoods in the next few days.

Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation sent 15 buses to support the movement of Fallujans throughout the city. The buses began operating Sunday by shuttling residents to their homes, humanitarian aide sites and fuel stations.

Finally, the Fallujah Department of State representative met with numerous local leaders yesterday at the Civil Military Operational Center for the purposes of fostering a new Fallujah governmental structure. The Fallujah Working Group (FWG) will nominate key Fallujans from the spectrum of professions to serve as the city's interim council. The DOS representative will continue to meet with these leaders as they continue to progress through the current transition period.

Release #0412028n