By Claude D. McKinney
Gulf Region North
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

New Annex as it ties into the old Tikrit Courthouse building. (Photo by Claude D. McKinney of Gulf Region North)

Tikrit, Iraq - Iraq has been serious in its efforts to improve the rule of law. In order to help the city provide judicial services to the 100, 000 residents of the city, the Takrit courthouse received a facelift and an addition. Tikrit, located on the Tigris River, is the capital of Salah ad Din Province and will also have the responsibility to adjudicate cases brought there from the entire province.

The courthouse was renovated in order to provide better conditions so that the new political leaders to do their important work. The project was managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Gulf Region North District

The electrical renovation included new wiring and fixtures throughout the old building; bringing it to a standard which will support modern computer and electronic technology. A newly constructed annex building adds capacity to the facility and provides for a more efficient work flow. Included in the new annex is a reception area, restrooms and office spaces that will improve the functionality of the courthouse.

“This has been a rewarding project for two reasons,” said Chris Nelsen, USACE project engineer in Tikrit. “The first reason involves completing another project which will help serve Iraq. This project also provided me the opportunity to work very closely with a contractor and help teach him the importance of planning, quality control, and project management. These tools will help him on future projects.”

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