Architexturez. wrote:
Mike Davis: Planet Of Slums
The report charged that the contracting system used by international
donors was broken. It said the US Agency for International Development
(USAID) "gives contracts to American companies (and the World Bank and
IMF [International Monetary Fund] give contracts to companies from their
donor countries) who take huge chunks off the top and hire layers and
layers of subcontractors who take their cuts, leaving only enough for
sub-par construction".
"Quality assurance is minimal; contractors know well they can swoop in,
put a new coat of paint on a rickety building, and submit their bill,
with rarely a question asked.
....
Afghans, the report said, "are losing their faith in the development
experts whose job is to reconstruct and rebuild their country ... What
the people see is a handful of foreign companies setting priorities for
reconstruction that make the companies wealthy, yet are sometimes
absurdly contrary to what is necessary."
Meanwhile, the report said, "The security situation in Afghanistan
continues to deteriorate, directly threatening ongoing reconstruction.
Some of the fighting is simply the result of deep frustration and
distrust among Afghans who no longer believe the international community
is looking out for their best interests."
The "deliberate use of warlords and militias in reconstruction efforts
has only lent them more credibility and power, further undermining the
elected government and fueling a Taliban-led insurgency that continues
to gain power".
cont'd....
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/HE06Df04.html