Iraq's al-Faw port project's endless delays
The al-Faw grand port project has been long delayed due to financial problems, among other issues.
Although 10 years have passed since the Iraqi government started laying the groundwork for the al-Faw grand port in southern Iraq, the project is still far from completion.
Iraqi minister of transportation Nasser Hussain Bandar said Aug. 15 that his ministry is planning to sign a contract with the South Korean company Hanwha for resuming the al-Faw project.
"This stage includes the construction of five berths, deepening the sailing channel for the port, which we requested to be from 19 to 21 meters [52 to 69 feet], and establishing the infrastructure for five berths," said Bandar, "The first stage also includes the construction of a tunnel to connect with the port with Khor al-Zubair, and a strategic road linking the Iraqi border with Kuwait."
However, this does not mean the port will be ready in the near future; while much of the delay has had to do with financing, part of the problem also has to do with border disputes between Iraq and its neighbors in the Persian Gulf.
