Baghdad: Sunday’s newspapers spotlighted Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s directive to provide residential land free of charge as part of the “Homeland Initiative,” alongside a Journalists Syndicate workshop on artificial intelligence in media.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi instructed that residential plots under the “Homeland Initiative” be allocated without cost. The Ministry of Construction and Housing confirmed that development companies and investors are set to enter governorates that have completed land allocation procedures to provide essential services. The allocation and distribution process will occur in stages.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office issued a statement emphasizing that the residential plots are entirely free for all eligible Iraqi families lacking a housing unit. An online registration link will launch next October, with over 216,000 plots prepared in 15 governorates. Infrastructure work will begin through donor investors, ensuring these plots are equipped with necessary amenities.
Furthermore, Al-Zaidi recently met with Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki to discuss the country’s general situation, emphasizing the importance of supporting government efforts in combating corruption and implementing reforms. The meeting highlighted the necessity of completing government formation to enhance performance and implement strategic plans.
In related developments, the Ministry of Construction and Housing announced that regulations for land allocation will be published next month. Applications will be open to all, prioritizing citizens without land or housing. In Baghdad, the governorate has secured land exceeding its quota, facilitating distribution to eligible recipients. The residential plots, typically 200 square meters, will be serviced with basic amenities before distribution.
In other news, the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate hosted a workshop on artificial intelligence in media, attended by prominent figures such as Muayyad Al-Lami. The workshop explored AI applications in media, emphasizing their role in enhancing journalistic performance and content quality while adhering to professional standards.
Turning to the ongoing fuel crisis, Al-Zaman newspaper reported that the situation continues to affect Baghdad and other regions, causing long queues at gas stations and widespread discontent. The Ministry of Oil attributed the crisis to a gap between production and consumption, exacerbated by logistical challenges in tanker traffic due to regional conflicts. The ministry aims to address the shortage by importing premium gasoline and enhancing strategic reserves.