WHAT CAN ASCE DO TO ASSIST IN THE REBUILDING OF IRAQ?
Capacity Building
Re-establishing an Iraqi Civil Engineering Professional Society and Implementing Professional Development Programs.
As specialists in management of learned technical societies, ASCE offers its assistance to re-establish an Iraqi Civil Engineering Professional Society to enable Iraqi civil engineers to work together to advance the science and profession of engineering to enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the Iraqi people. ASCE also offers its suite of professional development and continuing education programs that can be delivered online via CD-ROM, or via live, interactive web seminars. In addition, ASCE offers its expertise in establishing key industry and public interest user groups in infrastructure development and management.
Rebuilding Capacity of Technical Libraries.
To aid in the redevelopment of the Iraqi infrastructure, ASCE offers its volunteer and staff expertise to identify, acquire, and deliver a core collection of civil engineering texts and reference material, both print and online, that will provide practical information useful in rebuilding the country and providing a foundation for engineering education.
Assisting in Rebuilding Civil Engineering Curricula.
The Iraqi civil engineering undergraduate educational system, the Iraqi Ministry of Education, and the entire university system were decimated as a result of the recent war and the looting in its aftermath. University administrative offices, classrooms, and research laboratories have been looted and vandalized. Many student records, textbooks, and technical references have been looted. ASCE offers to help rebuild capacity of Technical Libraries as a foundation for the engineering education system of Iraq. As appropriate, ASCE-appointed Civil Engineering and Civil Engineering Technology experts can also assist Iraqi educators with the re-establishment of the engineering curricula.
Peer Review/Technical Panels
Iraqi Marshlands.
The Mesopotamian Marshlands, historically covering over 20,000 square kilometers of interconnected lakes, mudflats, and wetlands within modern-day Iraq, have disappeared in what the United Nations has declared "one of the world's greatest environmental disasters." Over 90 percent of the marshlands have been desiccated by dam and drainage projects. ASCE offers to bring together expert designers and constructors to assist in the determination of best practices for managing these wetlands. ASCE can provide independent third-party peer review of marshland management plans to assure a balanced outcome.
Codes and Standards Review.
Iraq has a long tradition of dependence on building codes to protect the safety of the public; however, enforcement and code updates may not have occurred in recent years. ASCE offers to review Iraq's Codes and Standards for infrastructure construction and make recommendations for necessary changes, and for appropriate enforcement processes.
Rebuilding Public Works Agencies.
The reconstruction of Iraqi government agencies responsible for public works planning, construction, and maintenance will benefit by receiving assistance in implementing industry best practices. ASCE's Peer Review process is designed to help public sector engineering and construction agencies improve the management and quality of their engineering services for the benefit of the general public. ASCE offers to assemble teams of senior engineering management experts from the public and private sector to review public works agency operations, develop and recommend best practice policies and procedures, and train personnel.