GOAL’s can-do mission is on the ball in Iraq

I HAVE just returned from Nasiriyah in southern Iraq having completed a stint with GOAL.

The first day that the team crossed from Kuwait into Iraq we identified and assessed a water and sanitation problem which we resolved immediately.

Since then GOAL’s extensive water/sanitation and medical relief programme has continued to expand and currently addresses the needs of the city of Nasiriyah with a population of 1,400,000 people.

As an experienced aid worker I found it refreshing to work with an organisation that promptly implemented a programme of work after initial assessment. This ensured swift relief for the people in urgent need.

While assessment is absolutely necessary, unfortunately it appears that many organisations spend a disproportionate amount of time doing so rather than taking action on any relief programme. In emergency situations time is vital, as any delay costs lives.

The professionalism and dedication of GOAL personnel in Iraq won the respect of the local population and continues to save many lives.

Peter Nuttall, MBE,

St David’s Cottage,

Llwyndu,

Abergavenny,

Monmouthshire,

Wales NP7 7HU.