Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has launched a sweeping reconstruction initiative for Diwaniyah Governorate, positioning it as Iraq’s agricultural capital. During a meeting with a delegation from Diwaniyah, which included members of Parliament, the governor, and the provincial council, al-Zaidi emphasized the governorate’s agricultural and economic significance, announcing a comprehensive plan to revitalize its service, economic, and agricultural sectors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Zaidi has allocated one trillion dinars to support Diwaniyah. This funding will be distributed with 650 billion dinars earmarked for unfinished ministerial projects, such as the Diwaniyah sewage initiative and the rehabilitation of 30 residential neighborhoods. Additionally, 350 billion dinars have been set aside to settle farmers’ dues. Specialized committees will be established to oversee the progress of these projects, ensuring they are completed on schedule and any challenges are promptly addressed.

On the agricultural front, al-Zaidi has increased the water allocation for Diwaniyah and approved its agricultural plan. He pledged continuous support for farmers, addressing agricultural reform challenges to bolster the governorate’s position as Iraq’s breadbasket. Furthermore, he announced that a portion of the electricity generated from solar projects will be allocated to Diwaniyah to enhance energy stability and promote clean energy use.

In terms of housing, al-Zaidi confirmed Diwaniyah’s inclusion in a national residential land project, with at least 100,000 plots designated for residents without homes. He also extended opportunities to agricultural engineers and veterinarians by granting them agricultural land for investment purposes. This move aims to stimulate the agricultural sector, create employment and investment opportunities, and leverage the governorate’s resources.

Al-Zaidi stressed the government’s commitment to monitoring the implementation of this ambitious plan, which is set to usher Diwaniyah into a new era of reconstruction and development, reflecting its critical role in Iraq’s agricultural and food economy.