Images of Iraq

The reconstruction of vital Iraqi infrastructure is not Bechtel’s biggest project financially. But in some ways, it’s the most challenging job the company has ever undertaken.

Unlike most projects, which have a single focus—a power plant, telecommunications network, airport, or bridge, for instance—the Iraq project encompasses all of those sectors and more. In fact, Bechtel has been helping rebuild a nation devastated by conflict and years of neglect under a harsh dictator.

The U.S. Agency for International Development chose Bechtel to manage the project based on the company’s winning bid, as well as on the knowledge that Bechtel is one of the only companies able to handle such a diverse and logistically complex effort. During the past year, Bechtel has met the challenge. Iraq’s major port at Umm Qasr has been renovated, more than 1,200 schools have been repaired, electricity generation is back to preconflict levels, and much of the nation’s telephone system has been rebuilt.

In the process, Bechtel has awarded more than 100 subcontracts for services to Iraqi firms and employed more than 35,000 Iraqi workers, thereby helping set the stage for a revitalized Iraqi economy.

A lot remains to be done, and we’ll report on it in future issues of Bechtel Briefs. In the meantime, here’s a look at what we’ve achieved so far.

Photo Gallery

Back to top