THOUSANDS JOCKEY TO REBUILD IRAQ

摘要

Nearly 3,000 potential subcontractors showed up at two recent meetings hosted by Bechtel National Inc. on two continents to learn about construction opportunities in Iraq. Bechtel, the prime contractor for the $680-million Iraqi capital construction project, expects to award most subcontracts by August, but competition will be stiff. As firms from all over the world jockey for current subcontracts, and to get a foot in the door for possible future work, reconstruction activities continue. In a key step, the U.S. Agency for International Development announced May 23 that the port at Umm Qasr had been transferred from military to civilian administration. It is the first such transfer for a reconstruction project in Iraq. Stevedoring Services of America, the Seattle firm that won a USAID contract to manage the port, says more than 3,520 local workers will be employed as managers, heavy equipment operators and maintenance workers. Bechtel is charged with rebuilding port administration buildings, restoring utilities and dredging.