The Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works has announced that 12 British companies have agreed to build water purification plants in five Iraqi provinces, according to AKnews.

Jassim Mohammed, media adviser at the Ministry, told the news agency that the new plants will be in the provinces of Anbar, Diyala, Najaf, Dhi Qar and Basra.

He added that the Ministry is working to streamline the procedures for foreign companies working on service projects in the country.

Iraq experienced widespread protests throughout 2011 as people vented their anger at the poor provision of services such as drinking water.

(Source: AKnews)

(Picture: Nasiriyah Water Treatment Plant, by USACE)