The Basrah Public Works Initiative: An Update on the Infrastructure Sector Capacity Development Model for Iraq Reconstruction

摘要

The Basrah Public Works Initiative (BPWI) was developed by the author in the summer/autumn of 2006 while serving a two year deployment to Basrah, Iraq. This new and unique approach was a paradigm shift from US project based reconstruction efforts to a capacity development model that focused on a systematic analysis and solution generation for the Basrah public infrastructure sectors. This paper looks at the start of the BPWI process in Basrah, its effectiveness, the difficulties implementing it and results. The original scope of the BPWI was limited due to cultural challenges. In order to achieve buy-in of the BPWI by the infrastructure sectors a complete analysis of the Basrah water sector's organization and operation was conducted first. Once the Basrah water sector's major shortcomings (education and training of personnel and management) were identified, the BPWI model was adjusted to address these issues. The Basrah Engineering University was consulted and curriculum was identified for training management staff in basic project management techniques. The paper addresses the unique challenges of trying to operate in a very lethal and hostile environment as well as the cultural differences and expectations. The paper updates the BPWI process after four years of trial and struggle.