Iraq says 216,000 residential plots prepared under 1 million housing project

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The High Steering Committee under Iraq's Prime Minister's Office said 216,000 residential plots have been prepared for development in six cities under a government program to deliver 1 million housing plots. The committee said the work is being carried out under Cabinet Decision No. 332 of June 30, 2026, on the instructions of Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi. According to the committee, expert commissions set up by the Prime Minister's Office and the relevant cities have identified the legal, technical and economic foundations for the project, with preparation of the remaining plots continuing without interruption. It added that new economic models have been developed to finance the initiative, and that a number of businesspeople and local investors have expressed readiness to support the effort through donations or contributions to infrastructure projects. The committee said implementation in the cities where plots have been prepared will begin in the coming days. A digital platform to receive applications from eligible residents is scheduled to be launched in October. The government reiterated its commitment to rolling out the initiative nationwide to address the housing shortage, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged groups.