Iraq rebuilding ‘is failing’
Washington denies blame after damning report details waste, corruption and decay.
Corruption
The sewer system at Erbil’s modernised paediatric hospital leaks, medical waste clogged drains, and a new incinerator was not being used.
And after the renovation of Iraq’s civil defence headquarters, there was evidence of water damage and wiring that posed a risk of electrical fires.
In its official response to the findings, the Pentagon said once the projects were transferred to Iraqis the US gave up control and authority over them.
The report also criticised the Iraqi government’s efforts to combat corruption, which costs at least $5bn a year.
It found that Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, had blocked 48 corruption investigations involving 102 people.