Bechtel aims to complete work on about 650 schools by September 30, to coincide with the start of Iraq’s school year, and the balance by October 30, before the winter months. The company will coordinate and manage the program and involve Iraqi organizations including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction. The company will also work with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and a number of other nongovernmental organizations.
Meanwhile, work continues at the Port of Umm Qasr and on bridge infrastructure. “On June 10, we signed a subcontract with Iraq’s Al-Ebadi Group for the supply of labor and equipment at the port,” says Mike Kidder, public affairs manager for Bechtel National, Inc. “This is our second subcontract awarded to an Iraqi firm. The first, Al Bunnia, has begun work at the Al Mat bridge bypass.” Al Bunnia will design and construct the emergency bypass for a critical highway in western Iraq.
