Iraq puts Development Road project at top of government agenda

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who also serves as acting Minister of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works, chaired a broad ministry meeting in Baghdad on the Development Road project and outstanding infrastructure files. The meeting was attended by Technical Deputy Minister Ali Hussein Abdulameir, Administrative Deputy Minister Muntin Kaderji and several director generals. Officials reviewed progress rates on ongoing and unfinished projects, obstacles in implementation and solutions using existing resources, the ministry said. Hussein held separate talks with Housing Fund Director General Diaa Mawjoud, Roads and Bridges Director General Hussein Musawi and Municipalities Director General Ibrahim Khalil on the Development Road's implementation plans. Discussions covered the integration of transport networks, regional links, highways, railways and oil transport pipelines, according to the ministry. Officials also examined ways to raise revenues by improving the performance of ministry-affiliated companies and expanding their self-financing capacity. Hussein stressed the need for continued field monitoring of projects and a team-based approach to ensure timely completion. No further details on project timelines or funding were immediately available.