The World Bank is planning to appoint a project manager to mastermind the reconstruction of Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, writes Sarah Richardson.
The bank is preparing a multimillion-pound tender for a programme manager to reorganise reconstruction efforts. The work undertaken in the country so far has failed to make significant progress, partly because the Jakarta government has failed to co-ordinate work.
Kick-starting construction: Mott MacDonald, Arup and Atkins may bid for project manager role
The programme manager will be responsible for directing the construction programme across Indonesia. It is thought that UK consultants Mott MacDonald, Arup and Atkins are interested in the role.
After the overall role is assigned, a number of international consultants will be appointed to oversee large infrastructure projects. These in turn will be supplemented by a tier of regional consultants that will manage local projects.
A source close to the project said: "The World Bank is of the opinion that the reconstruction efforts have been set back by a lack of integration between the parties involved. This contract will be designed to address that problem."
Of the countries hit by the tsunami - Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Somalia and the Seychelles - Indonesia suffered the most damage.
The tsunami displaced 550,000 people in the Indonesian provinces of Aceh and Nias, and thousands of families are still living in tents or other temporary shelters. Half of the region's schools were destroyed, along with hospitals and health facilities.
A number of British firms including Arup and Halcrow pledged assistance to the region after the tsunami.
Last year, efforts were set back by the Indonesian government's decision to impose huge import duties on construction machinery.
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