Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed that resolving the housing crisis is a government priority. During the launch of the implementation works for the new Sadr City, Al-Sudani stated, “The new Sadr City project was a goal for everyone, but many circumstances prevented its implementation.” He explained that the launch of the implementation works for the project provides basic services for 11,000 housing units and aims to integrate a new city with the old one.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from Al-Sudani’s media office announced the adoption of modern designs for the new Sadr City and assured rapid completion. The importance of launching infrastructure work, including sewage and drinking water networks, roads, and electricity and communications networks for 60,000 housing units, was emphasized. Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the relevant authorities, such as the Baghdad Municipality, the local government, the Baghdad Governorate, members of the Sadr City Supreme Committee, and the follow-up team at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister explained that the new economic model being followed is the first of its kind, with the government implementing infrastructure services, while the private sector plays a key role in the residential cities’ development according to the plan. The project aims to integrate the old city with the new city, marking an important achievement for Sadr City and its suburbs, which currently lack adequate services. Al-Sudani also highlighted the significance of Sadr City, named after the two martyrs, Al-Sadr.

The new Sadr City covers approximately 4,000 dunams, extending from the factories area to the outskirts of the current Sadr City. It will include 60,000 housing units of various designs and sizes, along with public services. The city is planned to be divided into three sectors, 12 neighborhoods, and 52 districts, with an integrated commercial and service center at its heart.

On April 22, 2025, a contract for the implementation of infrastructure, roads, and complementary works for 11,000 housing units, including the basic layers of the main roads, was awarded to a Chinese company. The contract, representing the first phase of the project, extends over 1,200 calendar days.