At least $12bn worth of projects in Iraq have been stalled by political paralysis over the past 12 months

Enormous schemes to redevelop Baghdad and Karbala, 50 miles south, have been on hold for more than a year while Iraqi politicians negotiated to form a new government.The tendering process for a number of projects ground to a halt in January 2010 ahead of the inconclusive elections in March.

Richard Kingston, managing director for Cyril Sweett in the Middle East and North Africa, which has been bidding for contracts in the region, said: 鈥淒uring the past 12 months we have tendered for projects with a combined construction value of over $12bn. After a period of political uncertainty, we have seen a pick-up in the public procurement process during the latter half of 2010.鈥�

Cyril Sweett bid for a cost management role on part of the $20bn construction of New Karbala and the Future City redevelopment of old Baghdad in November 2009, expecting a decision the following month. No firms have yet been appointed.

For more from 黑洞社区 in Iraq, you can tour the country using an interactive map, read David Matthews鈥� blog and take a look around Iraq鈥檚 biggest construction site by video at

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