Even in Iraqi City Cited as Model, Rebuilding Efforts Are Hobbled

[Rose Siding]

snip>
The United States has poured more than $200 million into reconstruction projects in this city, part of the $10 billion it has spent to rebuild Iraq. Najaf is widely cited by the military as one of the success stories in that effort, but American officers involved in the rebuilding say that reconstruction projects here, as elsewhere in the country, are hobbled by poor planning, corrupt contractors and a lack of continuity among the rotating coalition officers charged with overseeing the spending.

"This country is filled with projects that were never completed or were completed and have never been used," said a frustrated civil affairs officer who asked not to be identified because he had not been cleared to speak about the reconstruction.
....
But in a series of interviews, American military officers and Iraqi officials involved in the reconstruction described a pattern of failures and frustrations that Army officers who have worked in other parts of Iraq say are routine. Residents complain that the many of the city's critical needs remain unfulfilled and the Army concedes that many projects it has financed are far behind schedule. Officers with the American military say that corruption and poor oversight are largely to blame.

"We were told to stimulate the economy any way we can, and a lot of money was wasted in the process," said Capt. Kelly Mims, part of the Army liaison team that maintains an office in Najaf's local government building. "Now we're focused on spending the money more wisely."

http://nytimes.com/2005/09/18/international/middleeast/18najaf.html?hp&ex=1127016000&en=225f37a75b7a2141&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[grytpype]

1. NOLA is next.

Just wait until you see how the Bushists screw up the Katrina reconstruction. You just won't believe your eyes.

[Rose Siding]

2. It's a nightmare. Is the Army Corps of Engineers in charge of NO?

"We were told to stimulate the economy any way we can, and a lot of money was wasted in the process," said Capt. Kelly Mims, part of the Army liaison team that maintains an office in Najaf's local government building. "Now we're focused on spending the money more wisely."

Now? Billions of dollars later. :banghead:

[DoYouEverWonder]

3. Yes, Iraq is BushCo's idea of success

Billions spent and nothing to show for it. I'm sure this will be the model they will use for 'rebuilding' NOLA, stuff their pockets full of money and then declare bankruptcy.

[Rose Siding]

4. Header change: Poor Planning and Corruption Hobble Reconstruction of Iraq

(changed by NYT after posting)

This one's even MORE of an indictment.