US Doubts Iraqi Capacity to Maintain Reconstruction Projects

American officials fear that Iraq will not be able to maintain the rehabilitation projects the U.S. has funded since 2003. The U.S., according to

, has so far disbursed USD53 billion to build hospitals, water treatment plants, electricity substations, schools and bridges in the Asian nation. "As large-scale construction projects - power plants, water-treatment systems and oil facilities - have been completed, there has been concern regarding the ability of Iraqis to maintain and fund their operations once they are handed over to the Iraqi authorities," said a report of the U.S. Congressional Research Service.