Iraq Embassy Cost Rises $144 Million Amid Project Delays

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Washington Post

The massive U.S. embassy under construction in Baghdad could cost $144 million more than projected and will open months behind schedule because of poor planning, shoddy workmanship, internal disputes and last-minute changes sought by State Department officials, according to U.S. officials and a department document provided to Congress.

The embassy, which will be the largest U.S. diplomatic mission in the world, was budgeted at $592 million. The core project was supposed to have been completed by last month, but the timetable has slipped so much that the State Department has sought and received permission from the Iraqi government to allow about 2,000 non-Iraqi construction employees to stay in the country until March.

Two key office buildings, including the new chancery, will not be finished until early 2009, according to the document.

Completing the sprawling, 21-building compound is viewed by some officials as a key element of building a sustainable, long-term diplomatic presence in Baghdad. It will allow U.S. personnel to vacate their offices in Saddam Hussein's former Republican Palace and consolidate operations that are spread across the Green Zone. The new facility is also intended to provide diplomats with housing that is better protected to withstand mortar and rocket attacks.

The growing price tag and delayed opening have alarmed members of Congress, some of whom regard the troubled project as the latest in a series of State Department management problems in Iraq. The department has been criticized for failing to send enough reconstruction specialists to assist U.S. forces in Baghdad and for not providing adequate oversight of its principal private security force, Blackwater USA, whose personnel have been accused of using excessive force to protect U.S. diplomats.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/06/AR2007100601450.html?hpid=topnews

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Another Bush and Repuke White Elephant! Democrats it's time to cut off the F'ing money for this boondoggle!

[blayne]

1. I was under the impression that

the $592 million cost was a fixed cost.

[Psephos]

2. Is there even one person in America who would find this surprising? n/t

[Theduckno2]

5. It is not surprising to me.

"Completing the sprawling, 21-building compound is viewed by some officials as a key element of building a sustainable, long-term diplomatic presence in Baghdad. It will allow U.S. personnel to vacate their offices in Saddam Hussein's former Republican Palace...".

It is a difficult thing to be a viceroy from such humble digs.

If there were plenty of justice in the world and Bush were convicted of war crimes, his place of life incarceration should be the vacated embassy grounds "Bush's Palace" in Baghdad. He while there would be reminded of the shoddiness and poor workmanship of his Presidency as he forever roams the empty halls of his delusional ambitions.

[Kagemusha]

3. Some spokesman said a few days ago, don't worry, it's a fixed 592m cost.

That spokesman must have taken us all for complete morons.

[iaviate1]

4. What have we become?

We can't even build a well-funded complex without accusations of "poor planning, shoddy workmanship, internal disputes..." We despirately need somebody who will challenge America to become it's best. There is no honor in what we're doing and it shows by the half-assed job our civilian leadership is doing. I believe this country is full of the hardest working and most competent people on the face of this Earth - we just need people who will let us shine.

[onehandle]

6. What's another $144 Million? The payoffs have to be funneled somehow. nt

[Barrett808]

7. k & r