Iraq aims to ease its long-standing housing crisis by launching plans to construct 60 new cities across the country. This large-scale initiative marks a significant step in addressing the growing demand for affordable housing.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani directed government institutions to find rapid and realistic solutions. He stressed the importance of proper planning to ensure services reach each of the new cities efficiently. He also called for strategic action to support the implementation of this vision nationwide.
During a recent meeting with the New Cities Implementation Authority, the Prime Minister urged relevant ministries to prioritize efforts. He pointed out that the lack of affordable housing continues to burden millions of Iraqis, especially in densely populated areas.
As part of the plan, six new cities have been shortlisted for immediate development. In addition, the government approved three more cities for implementation in the early stages. This early push highlights the government’s intention to turn the plan into action without delay.
Despite the ambitious goal, several issues remain. These Iraq new cities include land ownership disputes, real estate registration problems, and the absence of proper water and sewage infrastructure. Al-Sudani emphasized that solving these problems will be key to completing the new housing developments.
The Iraqi government also plans to integrate public services into each city from the start. Planners will design cities with roads, schools, hospitals, and clean water access to support long-term growth. These features aim to make the new communities livable and sustainable.
Officials believe that successful implementation of these projects will reduce overcrowding in major cities. It will also help reduce informal housing and improve overall living conditions for many families across Iraq.
Moreover, the housing initiative supports Iraq’s broader development strategy. By focusing on new construction projects, the government also creates jobs and attracts investment into the housing sector. Private sector partnerships may also help speed up construction and improve efficiency.
Iraq’s housing crisis has persisted for years due to high population growth and years of underinvestment in urban planning. This bold move signals a shift toward long-term, structured urban expansion.
With firm leadership and coordination among ministries, Iraq hopes to build a better future—one city at a time.