SIGAR publishes report on deficiencies of MOD building

Today, SIGAR published an inspection of the U.S.-funded $154.7 million Afghan Ministry of Defense (MOD) headquarters. The MOD headquarters, with some exceptions, generally met contract requirements and appears well built.

Originally, the cost of the headquarters building was $48.7 million, and it was to be completed in about 18 months. However, there were problems with the contract from the outset, including the Afghan National Army refusing the contractor access to the site, as well as delays from weather, security, and funding issues. The cost to complete the building rose to $154.7 million, or more than three times the original estimated cost, and it took almost 5 years longer to complete than originally anticipated.

Despite the increased costs and delays, the MOD headquarters building contains some construction deficiencies, which potentially impact the building’s structural integrity during a seismic event or during prolonged periods of rain.

During the inspection visits to the MOD headquarters building, we examined the roof drainage system, seismic separation joints, exterior walls and stairwells plumbing fixture and mechanical equipment, seats and platform stage, electrical and water systems, windows, doors, and ceiling panels, as well as fire suppression pumps, fire alarms, and communications lines.

We have found other deficiencies not identified by AFCEC that could affect the building’s structural integrity during an earthquake or prolonged periods of rain.

MOD Deputy Spokesman Mohammad Radmanish said,” we will maintain MOD headquarters, but avoided to provide more details on the deficiencies of the MOD building’s structural.”

Professor Mohammad Haidari said,” SIGAR is trying to accuse the technical workers for corruption by publishing such report.”

One more issue has been addressed that the cost of MOD headquarters was supposed to be 49 $ million in 18 months but it costs 155 $ million and took 5 years to be built.

Reported by Ali Asghari