§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the US and UK forces are responding to the need for electricity supplies to be restored in Basra in order that sewage treatment and water pumping can resume. [108053]
§ Mr. IngramThere is little difference between the electricity supply to Basra before the conflict started and that since, with electricity generally available for around six to nine hours per day. Coalition forces have been helping the International Committee of the Red Cross to ensure that at least this level of supply is maintained.
British forces also assisted the ICRC in gaining access to the water plant north of Basra International Airport and the water supply has been restored to its pre-conflict levels, operating at 60 per cent. capacity. UK forces are continuing to assist the ICRC in gaining access to water treatment and pumping plants.