US Embassy in Baghdad is a Fire Trap

McClatchy: First Kuwaiti strikes again!

The latest problem with the trouble-plagued new U.S. embassy complex in Iraq is that the sprinkler systems meant to contain a fire do not work, according to officials in Congress and the State Department.

The previously undisclosed problem in the $592 million project was discovered several weeks ago when the fire-safety systems were tested and pipe joints burst, State Department representatives recently informed Congress.

The embassy complex, being built by First Kuwaiti General Trade and Contracting Co., has been marred by repeated problems. In May, when kitchen facilities at a guard camp that is part of the embassy complex were tested, the electrical system malfunctioned and wires melted. A subsequent inquiry showed that First Kuwaiti had used counterfeit electrical wiring that did not meet specifications, according to testimony at a congressional hearing in July.

Former top investigators for State Department Inspector General Howard Krongard have charged that Krongard refused to aggressively investigate allegations of misconduct by First Kuwaiti and deficiencies in the Baghdad Embassy.

Krongard has disputed his former aides' version of events, and is expected to testify before Congress later this month.

Bush's vision of global corporate superiority. He's now, what...0 for 783?

Comments

[donna]

Wait til they try flushing the toilets... heh heh heh....

[rhoda]

Wait til the first hand held missle finds it. Let's hope it stays empty.

[DeeLoralei in Memphis]

This reminds me of the bug infested embassy in Moscow that The Great God Ronnie built. What do yuo want to bet that by the end of Oct First Kuwaiti will be given another multigazillion dollar contract to build something else.