31-07-2025
Turkish and Lebanese Companies to build new Tigris Bridge
By John Lee.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Wednesday launched the construction of Al-Kriat [Al-Kari'a] Bridge over the Tigris River as part of the Baghdad reconstruction campaign, specifically targeting the revitalisation of the holy city of Kadhimiya.
The work will be carried out by Turkish company HSY Yapi Insaat and Lebanon's Khatib & Alami.
This project is the first in the development of the "Fifth Division" military zone, which has been closed for decades and will now be transformed into a 400-dunum area hosting public services, cultural and religious centres, and rest cities for pilgrims.
Al-Sudani praised the collaborative efforts of ministers, the PM's office, Baghdad Municipality, the Ministry of Housing, the Investment Commission, and the religious endowments. He confirmed the government's commitment to a realistic and strategic plan tailored to each district's needs.
The Prime Minister announced that the Fifth Division area is now open to all investors through a transparent and non-residential investment process. A key feature will be a 12,500m² museum documenting the atrocities of Iraq's former dictatorship-intended as a national reminder and deterrent against repeating such history.
Key statements by PM Al-Sudani:
Baghdad's population now exceeds 9.5 million, yet the city has lacked proportional infrastructure rehabilitation.
Kadhimiya, long neglected, is now undergoing a transformation that respects its Islamic heritage and accommodates religious visitors.
"Baghdad is More Beautiful" (phases 1 and 2), in coordination with ministry and municipal plans, represents a unified vision for comprehensive urban renewal.
Islamic architectural standards are being upheld in all planned developments.
The campaign also targets neighbourhoods, schools, and service institutions in Kadhimiya, ensuring high standards and rapid implementation.
The Al-Kriat Bridge is a strategic part of Baghdad's second-phase traffic decongestion programme, connecting to major roads such as Mohammed Al-Qasim Expressway and Army Canal.
Other initiatives in the Kadhimiya reconstruction campaign include:
Upgrading and expanding 15 major roads across five districts
Building 38 new schools and restoring 4 historic ones
Paving and resurfacing 12 residential areas
Developing public parking, overpasses, family recreation facilities
Creating six new city entrances
Upgrading sewage treatment, water supply systems, and relocating government offices outside the city
(Source: PMO)
