REBUILD IRAQ WATER PROGRAM: CHALLENGING CONSTRUCTION IN A COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT

The $18 billion Rebuild Iraq Program has received extensive media coverage and political influence since its introduction in early 2004. The Program has received criticism for its rate of capital expenditure and the inability to implement the proposed projects in a timely manner. This paper will present an explanation of the program to date and the complexities of attempting a massive reconstruction effort in a hostile environment.The Rebuild Iraq Program is comprised of six program management sectors; Electrical, Public Works Water, Security/Justice Safety, Transportation/Communication, Buildings, and Oil. This discussion will focus on the Public Works Water Sector. The primary components of this program are Water and Wastewater Projects and to a lesser degree Solid Waste Landfills.Earth Tech, Inc., in conjunction with Fluor/AMEC LLC, was awarded the Public Works Water Contract in April 2004. Since that time, numerous task orders have been received for both upgrades of existing and construction of new water and wastewater facilities and municipal solid waste facilities. These projects are in varying degree of design and/or construction. An overview of the total program will be presented along with details of each project and the unique problems encountered in Iraq construction efforts.The presentation will provide a current status of the rebuilding program and assess the impacts of the changing dynamics in the country's political and economic environment. The impact of recent events such as the national elections will be discussed with emphasis placed upon the impact these and other events have on the Iraq reconstruction effort.