Iraqi PM orders launch of 1 million residential land plots in cities

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi on Sunday ordered the launch of executive procedures for a 1 million residential land plot project in cities that have completed land allocations. The directive came during the fourth meeting of the Supreme Inter-City Coordination Council in Baghdad, chaired by al-Zaydi, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Press Office. The meeting was attended by the ministers of foreign affairs, finance, electricity, justice, agriculture, education and water resources, along with governors and heads of city councils. Al-Zaydi said the government remains committed to addressing economic challenges shaped by regional developments and stressed the need for careful management of public resources. Officials at the meeting said the housing project will take effect on September 1, 2026, and that governors will accelerate land identification and property transfer procedures. The council also approved increased water releases in Diwaniyah to support summer rice cultivation, the transfer of electricity distribution to the provinces, and the establishment of the Shivan, Kara Hanjir and Baiji districts in Kirkuk.