By John Lee.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has officially launched construction on the New Sadr City project in Baghdad.
The project covers 4,000 dunams [400 hectares; 1,000 acres] between the Al-Maamel area and the edge of the existing Sadr City. It will feature 60,000 housing units of various sizes, fully integrated with public services including roads, sanitation, potable water, electricity, and telecommunications.
The city will be structured into 3 sectors, 12 districts, and 52 neighbourhoods, with a central commercial and service hub.
The Prime Minister described the development as a pioneering economic model for Iraq: the government will first implement full infrastructure works, after which private sector developers will construct the residential units. This integrated model is designed to replace substandard, informally developed suburbs and offer high-quality alternatives to residents.
In April, the contract for infrastructure and roads covering 11,000 housing units was awarded to China’s state-owned Shandong Hi-Speed Group [Shandong Gaosu Group], with a 1,200-day timeline for completion. According to the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the firm was selected through a competitive process based on strict technical and financial criteria.
Al-Sudani clarified that contrary to public misconceptions, the project does not involve demolishing existing neighbourhoods. Instead, it aims to connect and upgrade old and new urban areas with modern planning and services.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that housing is a top government priority. He confirmed that work has started on 8 of the 16 new cities approved under the current government programme, and that informal housing residents will be offered viable alternatives.
(Source: PMO)
The post Iraq Launches New Sadr City Project: 60,000 Homes, Modern Infrastructure first appeared on Iraq Business News.