Baghdad Embassy Delayed
There was a time that this project was considered the only “reconstruction” project running on time and on budget. At least, that was the story until the date is was supposed to be opened came closer. Now, it is just another in the incredibly long list of projects in Iraq where poor oversight and shoddy construction leads to massive cost overruns and delays, and if this were for the Iraqi people rather than US personnel, probably abandonment.
The sprawling complex, whose cost is edging toward $750 million, was set to open last month but U.S. lawmakers say shoddy work by the contractor and poor oversight by the State Department have delayed it.
. . .
Congress originally allocated nearly $600 million to build the biggest U.S. Embassy in the world but Waxman said the project was now $144 million over that budget.
In addition, he said new documents showed hundreds of violations of fire codes and other regulations and electrical problems throughout the complex.
"These problems were so severe and widespread that the inspectors concluded that none of the buildings on the new embassy compound could be approved for occupancy," wrote Waxman, a staunch critic of the State Department's oversight of its contractors in Iraq.
Does the State Department even provide oversight of its contractors in Iraq? You honestly have to wonder at times. I also like this little gem from the State Department spokesman:
McCormack said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was prepared to "cut everybody involved some slack" if the delay fell within the norms of opening a large embassy complex but would demand answers if it dragged on too long.
There is nothing at all “normal” about this embassy complex. It’s a fortified city within a city. The closest parallel I can think of off-hand would be Vatican City, except for the fact that Romans don’t send rockets and mortars their way on a daily basis. I’m sure under the circumstances; they can re-define “normal” into a continuing construction contract until its ready for helicopters to evacuate them.
