Iraq Launches New Sadr City to Tackle Housing Crisis

On Wednesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani launched the construction works for the New Sadr City project in Baghdad.

New Sadr City will span approximately 4,000 dunams and is located between the Al-Maamel area and the outskirts of the current Sadr City. It will feature 60,000 housing units of various sizes and designs, in addition to comprehensive public services, including roads and electricity.

The city will be structured into three sectors, 12 districts, and 52 neighbourhoods, with an integrated commercial and service hub at its centre.

The Prime Minister highlighted the new economic model being implemented by the government. Under this model, the government will first undertake infrastructure development, followed by the private sector stepping in as a key partner to construct the residential areas in accordance with the approved plans.

In April, the Chinese company Shandong Hi-Speed Group (Shandong Gaosu Group) signed a contract with the Iraqi government for the construction of 11,000 housing units within the New Sadr City project, including road works and infrastructure, with a completion timeline of 1,200 days.

Al-Sudani addressed public misconceptions, assuring citizens that the project does not involve demolishing existing neighbourhoods. Instead, it aims to integrate and upgrade both old and new urban areas with modern planning and services.

Launching residential complexes in Baghdad and other provinces is among the government’s top priorities to address the housing crisis through multiple channels. Work has already begun on eight of the 16 planned cities approved under the government’s programme.

Source: Prime Minister Media Office