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Iraqi News
7 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani affirms adoption of Modern Designs for New Sadr City and Ensures Timely Implementation
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani launched today, Wednesday, the construction work of the New Sadr City project. The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA),'Al-Sudani stressed the importance of commencing infrastructure works in New Sadr City, including sanitation networks, potable water systems, roads, electrical grids, and telecommunications for 60,000 housing units, he commended the efforts of all parties involved—Baghdad Municipality, the local government, Baghdad Governorate, members of the Higher Committee for Sadr City, and the follow-up team at the Prime Minister's Office—for overcoming challenges to reach this phase.' The Prime Minister highlighted,' the new economic model being applied—unprecedented in Iraq—where the government first undertakes infrastructure development, followed by the private sector stepping in as a key partner to construct the residential areas according to the set plans, he affirmed that the project integrates the old city with the new one, to address the randomly expanded suburbs, which suffer from substandard services the city also holds deep symbolic significance as it bears the name of the two martyr Sadr figures.' New Sadr City spans approximately 4,000 dunams, located between the Al-Maamel area and the outskirts of the current Sadr City. The project is based on a modern urban planning philosophy and includes 60,000 housing units with diverse designs and sizes, in addition to comprehensive public services. The city will be divided into 3 sectors, 12 districts, and 52 neighborhoods, with a fully integrated commercial and service center at its core. On April 22, 2025, the infrastructure, roads, and related works contract for an area covering 11,000 housing units—including the main road base layers—was awarded to a Chinese company under a 1,200-day contract. This marks the first phase of the project. Key Highlights from the Prime Minister's Remarks: All economic activities and services have been accounted for, and many initial obstacles have been overcome. There has been a misunderstanding of the project—some assumed it involved the demolition of residential neighborhoods—but implementation is now underway, with the selected Chinese company present on-site, chosen through rigorous criteria. Execution of the project will adhere to high standards, established specifications, and approved designs, ensuring maximum speed. Technical departments and resident engineers are instructed to be present and fully prepared to support implementation without delays. The project integrates the old city with the new one. The designs aim to create connected, urban areas with high-quality services. Addressing the housing crisis is a top priority for the government, being tackled through multiple channels. Launching residential complexes in Baghdad and other provinces is part of the plan to overcome the housing crisis. Work has begun on 8 of the 16 planned cities approved in the government program. The government's approach to informal housing is to offer viable alternatives to citizens who were forced to live in such conditions.
Rudaw Net
20-04-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
KRG, Iraqi officials meet with oil companies to discuss restarting Kurdish oil exports
Also in Iraq From Russia to Jordan, cultural performances dazzle in Babil Congo-Crimean fever kills two in Kirkuk Mining is a potential '$16 trillion' industry in Iraq: Official Sadr rejects Iraqi president's appeal to join elections A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the Federal Government of Iraq and representatives of international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the Kurdistan Region met in Erbil on Saturday to discuss the resumption of Kurdish oil exports, a KRG official stated. The convening parties 'explored the possibility of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region with oil companies, and the viewpoints of oil investment companies on the matter,' said Umed Sabah, president of the Diwan of Council of Ministers, in a post on X. However, a separate meeting that was set to be held in Baghdad on Saturday, between representatives of the Kurdistan Region's natural resources ministry, the Iraqi oil ministry and IOCs was postponed at Baghdad's request, Rudaw English has learned from a representative of an IOC operating in the Region. On the same day, an Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesperson, Abdulsahib al-Hasnawi, confirmed to Rudaw that the Saturday meeting would not be held. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani had announced that 'a delegation from the Kurdistan Region's natural resources ministry would visit Baghdad on Saturday to complete the negotiation process' with his ministry on the resumption of Kurdish oil exports. 'We all hope to reach an agreement' to restart oil exports, the minister said. Kurdish oil exports, through Turkey's Ceyhan port, have been halted since March 2023. The suspension came after a Paris-based arbitration court ruled in favor of Baghdad that Ankara had violated a 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil to export oil independently. In February, the Iraqi parliament passed amendments to the federal budget law, authorizing $16 per barrel in production and transportation costs for IOCs. The step was seen as crucial to restarting Kurdish oil exports. The amended budget law also set a 60-day deadline for the Iraqi government and the KRG to establish an international consultancy body to assess those costs. Despite months of talks between Erbil, Baghdad, and IOCs, Kurdish oil exports have yet to resume. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated on Wednesday that Erbil has suffered losses exceeding $23 billion since the suspension of oil exports.
Rudaw Net
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Rudaw Net
From Russia to Jordan, cultural performances dazzle in Babil
Also in Iraq Congo-Crimean fever kills two in Kirkuk Mining is a potential '$16 trillion' industry in Iraq: Official Sadr rejects Iraqi president's appeal to join elections Iraqi forces disrupt ISIS fuel network in Anbar A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Russian folklore group, alongside musical and dance ensembles from other countries, delivered mesmerizing performances on Saturday on the final night of the Babylon International Festival for Culture and Arts in the Iraqi city of Babil (Babylon), blending traditional dance with vibrant attire. "This is a historic event between Iraq and Russia, as it marks the first participation after a long period of disruption of activities between these two nations," said Allaq al-Khalidi, director of the Russian House in Iraq - a cultural center dedicated to strengthening Iraqi-Russian cultural exchanges - told Rudaw. "Those present represent the largest and best Russian troupe performing folkloric songs and dances from the Republic of Tatarstan, one of the republics of the Russian Federation,' he added. A folklore group from Jordan, consisting of nine members, also showcased the traditional Jordanian dance. 'We want to share our Jordanian culture freely and widely,' said Aisha, one of the performers, to Rudaw during the festival. Iraqi singer Ali Jassim also performed at the event. He told Rudaw that the festival 'is a source of pride for every Iraqi,' stressing that "as artists, we are ready to participate every year and we are ready to do all that our country requires.' Among the audience, five-year-old Fazil stood out in traditional Kurdish attire. Despite never having visited Kurdistan, the Babil native was inspired by Kurdish clothing he had seen on TV and mobile phones. Fazil's father, Muhammad Ai'd, told Rudaw, 'We bought this outfit from Baghdad. He [Fazil] told me, 'Dad, you must buy me this clothing for the Babylon Festival.' The Babylon International Festival for Culture and Arts, first held in 1987, marked its 12th edition this year. The festival commenced on April 12 and ended on April 19. Babil or Babylon, derived from ancient Babylonia, was once known as the heart of ancient world civilizations and capital of the Babylonian Empire. Today, it is one of Iraq's provinces, located 85 kilometers south of Baghdad.
Rudaw Net
19-04-2025
- Health
- Rudaw Net
Congo-Crimean fever kills two in Kirkuk
Also in Iraq Mining is a potential '$16 trillion' industry in Iraq: Official Sadr rejects Iraqi president's appeal to join elections Iraqi forces disrupt ISIS fuel network in Anbar Kurd appointed mayor of disputed Tuz Khurmatu district A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - An outbreak of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) has claimed two lives in Kirkuk, including a healthcare worker, a source from the local health directorate confirmed on Saturday. "Hemorrhagic fever has spread in the [Kirkuk] governorate, leading to the deaths of a nurse and a butcher," the source told Rudaw. The nurse is believed to have contracted the virus from the butcher. Another confirmed case is currently receiving treatment at Kirkuk General Hospital. The nurse, identified as Yadgar Nuri, was in his early 20s and worked in the emergency department of the hospital. He passed away early Saturday morning, a few days after testing positive for the virus. The mayor of Kirkuk city, Falah Khalil Yayji, told Rudaw that a large-scale campaign was launched on Saturday to curb the spread of the disease. They will stop the unregulated slaughter of animals, confiscate unlicensed meat, and prohibit raising of livestock in residential neighborhoods, he said. The federal Ministry of Health is also raising public awareness via its social media platforms about the risks of the virus and how to prevent its spread. CCHF is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted to humans through several routes, including contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, bites from infected ticks, direct exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock. While some cases present with mild symptoms, the disease is frequently fatal. Severe symptoms may include internal bleeding, coma, and multi-organ failure affecting the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system. The World Health Organization estimates the fatality rate can reach up to 40%. CCHF has been endemic in Iraq since 1979, but has seen a resurgence since 2021, particularly in the southern provinces, raising public health concerns. There were at least 211 recorded cases of CCHF in Iraq last year, including 26 deaths.
Rudaw Net
19-04-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Mining is a potential ‘$16 trillion' industry in Iraq: Official
Also in Iraq Sadr rejects Iraqi president's appeal to join elections Iraqi forces disrupt ISIS fuel network in Anbar Kurd appointed mayor of disputed Tuz Khurmatu district Baghdad summons Lebanese envoy over president's PMF remarks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq is rich in minerals and mining has the potential to be a $16 trillion industry, an advisor to the prime minister said on Saturday. 'Iraq is rich in various types of minerals and precious stones, including silica sand, which is found in the provinces of Anbar, Najaf, Karbala, and Muthanna. This type of sand is used in glass manufacturing, ceramics, and electronic chip industries,' Mazhar Mohammed Salih told Rudaw. 'Quartz rock, which is rich in silica and is found in the mountainous regions of Kurdistan, is also used in the manufacturing of electronic chips, glass, and porcelain,' he added. Iraq also has large sulfur reserves, mostly found in the Mishraq area near Mosul, and it has large quantities of phosphate, which is used in cement production, especially in the Akashat area of Anbar province, according to Salih. According to preliminary estimates, the revenue from mining these minerals could reach 'approximately 16 trillion dollars,' said Salih, adding that these industries are underdeveloped. He said that there is also a good amount of gold in the country, especially in the mountainous areas of the Kurdistan Region, in addition to iron, nickel, thorium, lead and limestone. Cement, mining, and agriculture are some of Iraq's key industries, but they are dwarfed by the oil sector, on which the economy is dependent. Iraq has one of the world's largest proven crude oil reserves. Experts warn that economic diversification is crucial to stabilizing Iraq's economy.
