Baghdad: Today’s newspapers spotlight Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s emphasis on working wisely to avoid slipping into regional conflicts and his follow-up on the results of the general population census.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sabah newspaper reported that Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s commitment to a policy of regional balance and internal stability. He emphasized that Iraq is adopting a responsible approach to avoid regional conflicts while fortifying its security institutions to confront challenges. This statement was made during a meeting with sheikhs and dignitaries from various areas, where Al-Sudani reviewed governmental efforts to improve services in Baghdad and its surroundings, asserting that stability is the cornerstone for development and construction.
Al-Sudani outlined three main strategies to enhance services: promptly delivering services through specialized teams, reactivating stalled projects like hospitals and schools, and implementing new projects to ease traffic congestion. He pointed to significant expansions in Baghdad’s road networks and infrastructure projects in surrounding areas as part of these improvements.
The Prime Minister also mentioned contracts with real estate developers to build integrated cities, ensuring proper construction and essential services. He highlighted ongoing rehabilitation work in high-traffic areas like Kadhimiya and plans for new infrastructure to alleviate congestion.
Additionally, Al-Sudani credited the stability achieved to the diligent efforts of Iraqis and the vigilance of security services, stating that terrorism no longer poses a threat. During a field tour, he directed the timely completion of the “Baghdad Forests” project, emphasizing its environmental and economic benefits.
Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported on the outcomes of the general population census. Mehdi Al-Alaq, a consultant to the United Nations Population Fund, noted that the census provided a comprehensive database on Iraq’s housing situation. This database aids in developing accurate plans for addressing housing challenges and supports state institutions in delivering services.
Al-Alaq remarked that the census, after a 30-year gap, offered insights into population distributions, living standards, and various social services. It also informed the government’s approach to addressing the housing crisis by highlighting housing deficits and overcrowding.
The United Nations Human Settlements Organization, alongside the World Bank, is assisting Iraq in housing and poverty alleviation efforts. Al-Alaq emphasized that these efforts, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, aim to enhance living conditions for all Iraqis.