KIRKUK and Al Maraei stations in Iraq have been rehabilitated, and work is underway at Al Thawra and Al Reyadh for completion later this year. A further 11 stations in Ninewa goverornate are to be reconstructed.

Rubbish has been removed and unsafe structures demolished at the two stations over four months at a cost of US$70000 each. Under the supervision of Iraqi Republic Railways around 30 local workers have replaced the plumbing and sewerage systems, along with the windows and roofing.

'Rehabilitation of the railway and stations will allow IRR to move passengers and commodities through the region and connect Kirkuk by rail to other parts of the country', said IRR Kirkuk Region Manager Shakir Mahmoud Shukri. 'I am looking forward to the return of full operation of IRR serving the people of Kirkuk and being part of the national rail system.'