Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed that reconstruction and development constitute a path, a project, and a vision based on sound planning and clear objectives, emphasizing that his government is committed to building a state where institutions are respected and citizens’ rights are protected. Speaking at an electoral gathering held today in Dhi Qar Governorate, Al-Sudani stated that Dhi Qar was the birthplace of national awareness, and from its marshes, Iraqis wrote the meaning of patience, endurance, and resistance against tyranny and dictatorship, noting that the martyrs of the marshes paved the way for a free, independent, and democratic Iraq.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani highlighted that the core of Dhi Qar’s suffering, like other provinces, lies in the absence of vision, plans, and developmental programs, pointing out that the existence of stalled projects reflects the lack of realistic planning. He stressed that the Reconstruction and Development Coalition does not distinguish between provinces, as its philosophy aims to serve all governorates within a unified national framework.
Al-Sudani explained that the government seeks to leverage Dhi Qar’s agricultural, oil, and tourism resources to improve the living standards of its residents, emphasizing that comprehensive development relies on well-designed planning and diligent work to achieve tangible results. He pointed out that the slogan ‘Iraq First’, adopted by his government, aims to place Iraq first in reconstruction, development, services, and security, noting that over the past three years, the government has implemented major projects in Dhi Qar, including the construction of 267 new schools, with continued efforts to enhance the education sector.
The Prime Minister added that the government has supported the Dhi Qar Reconstruction Fund since its inception, which has carried out key infrastructure projects such as the Nasiriyah Stadium, the Corniche, and several service projects. He indicated that the governorate has witnessed the completion of 27 water complexes, 98 projects in roads, rehabilitation, and public services, in addition to 25 projects in the health sector.
Al-Sudani further mentioned that the new phase of service work includes the opening of Al-Batha Hospital and four specialized medical centers, alongside ongoing work on four other hospitals, the establishment of the Nasiriyah Medical City, and the construction of 20 additional health and specialized centers. He noted that the service and engineering teams implemented 30 projects benefiting 420,000 citizens, at a cost of 60 billion dinars, while external roads and intercity connections received special attention, with more than 200 kilometers of external roads completed, in addition to the North Nasiriyah Bridge, the Al-Islah-Al-Chibayish Water Project, and the Nasiriyah sewage network.
Al-Sudani also announced the launch of the first phase of the Ur Tourism City Project, which will include the Ur Global Museum, a drama production city, the Khatam Al-Anbiya Mosque, and a heritage market, making it a new historical and cultural attraction. He added that the Nasiriyah International Airport will be completed by the end of this year.
He also revealed the start of construction for the Nasiriyah Combined Power Station, with a capacity of 921 megawatts, operating on natural gas – a project that will turn the governorate from a consumer into a producer of electricity. In addition, solar energy projects have been launched, as part of the government’s forward-looking approach toward clean and sustainable energy.
Concluding his remarks, Al-Sudani stressed that the continuation of development, reconstruction, and progress depends on active participation in the elections, warning that any retreat from this path would mean a return to failure, corruption, impulsive policies, and crises that have long harmed Iraq.