Baghdad Mayor Says Digital Transformation Will Improve Municipal Services

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Baghdad Mayor Ammar Musa Kazim said digital transformation is a strategic step toward upgrading the Baghdad Service Institution's operations and strengthening citizen trust in public agencies. Speaking at a conference, Kazim said modernization is no longer optional but a requirement driven by modern development needs and citizens' expectations for more efficient, transparent and faster services. Kazim said the municipality is working to embed digital systems across all its departments, based on the belief that the future of cities rests on smart systems and digital governance. The mayor added that the transformation is aimed at enabling a rapid response and raising service quality. The municipality has launched a series of digital projects, including electronic processing of construction permits and property transactions, the introduction of electronic billing at the Baghdad Water Department, and the expansion of payment and collection systems across all municipal departments. A mobile application, "Baghdad… the Voice of the Citizen," has also been introduced, allowing residents to submit and track complaints and requests electronically. Further details on the rollout timeline were not immediately available.