Baghdad – INA
Baghdad Governor Atwan Al-Atwani said on Saturday that population pressure and limited financial allocations are hindering efforts to meet growing demands in the capital.
According to a statement by the Baghdad Governorate received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Atwani participated in the second edition of the Dialogue Forum held under the theme “Baghdad Between Service Challenges and Prospects for Integration,” with the participation of Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities Bankin Rikani, Baghdad Mayor Ammar Mousa, Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan, along with a number of specialists in service and urban affairs.
The statement added that the forum witnessed extensive discussions on the state of services in the capital and the challenges facing municipal and infrastructure sectors, as well as proposals and solutions aimed at improving service performance and achieving sustainable urban development.
During his remarks, Al-Atwani said that Baghdad is facing increasing public pressure due to rising demand for services, noting that limited financial allocations remain a major obstacle to meeting these needs, despite progress in implementing key service projects, particularly in the outskirts of the capital.
He explained that Baghdad is experiencing exceptional population growth due to migration from other provinces and the concentration of state institutions in the city, placing significant strain on infrastructure and services. He added that the local government is working to address a long legacy of neglect in peripheral areas.
Al-Atwani also pointed out that the challenges the country has faced, particularly the events of 2014 and economic conditions, led to the suspension of many vital projects, further exacerbating service challenges in the capital.
He stressed the importance of enhancing coordination among executive and sector institutions and working collectively to address service issues, emphasizing that ensuring continued financial allocations is essential to sustain reconstruction projects and prevent future disruptions.
