Much has been written of the vast sums of money being poured into Iraq to assist in re-construction. Equally much has been disclosed of companies ripping of the USA with bogus or inflated accounts. And where does this leave the Iraqis?
Well, this piece in the Washington Post is hardly encouraging for the "locals":
"A reconstruction contract for the building of 142 primary health centers across Iraq is running out of money, after two years and roughly $200 million, with no more than 20 clinics now expected to be completed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says.
The contract, to U.S. construction giant Parsons Inc. in the flush, early days of reconstruction in Iraq, was expected to lay the foundation of a modern health care system for the country, putting quality medical care within reach of all Iraqis.
People receive medicine from U.S. troops in Shumeyt village, north of Baghdad. A contract for the building of 142 primary health centers across Iraq has run out of money, with 20 clinics now expected to be completed.
Parsons, according to the Corps, will walk away from more than 120 clinics that on average are two-thirds finished. Auditors say the project serves as a warning for other U.S. reconstruction efforts due to be completed this year."
One can only be cynical! So much money wasted with little to show for it. And, needless to say, this should do wonders to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis already battling a myriad of hardships in their daily lives!
Read the complete Washington Post piece here.
Well, this piece in the Washington Post is hardly encouraging for the "locals":
"A reconstruction contract for the building of 142 primary health centers across Iraq is running out of money, after two years and roughly $200 million, with no more than 20 clinics now expected to be completed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says.
The contract, to U.S. construction giant Parsons Inc. in the flush, early days of reconstruction in Iraq, was expected to lay the foundation of a modern health care system for the country, putting quality medical care within reach of all Iraqis.
People receive medicine from U.S. troops in Shumeyt village, north of Baghdad. A contract for the building of 142 primary health centers across Iraq has run out of money, with 20 clinics now expected to be completed.
Parsons, according to the Corps, will walk away from more than 120 clinics that on average are two-thirds finished. Auditors say the project serves as a warning for other U.S. reconstruction efforts due to be completed this year."
One can only be cynical! So much money wasted with little to show for it. And, needless to say, this should do wonders to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis already battling a myriad of hardships in their daily lives!
Read the complete Washington Post piece here.
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