Economic Insights – Baghdad
The Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Investment Committee, Hussein Al-Sabari, addressed the recent decision regarding land ownership exceptions, noting both positive and negative implications of this policy.
In a recent interview, Al-Sabari highlighted, “The positive aspect of this decision is driven by the growing population and the government’s struggle to allocate sufficient land for housing. There is a pressing demand for over three million housing units to accommodate citizens currently residing in unauthorized and agricultural areas. This initiative would allow these individuals to secure land ownership, improving their access to essential services such as water and electricity, while also generating revenue for the state through land sales.”
He pointed out, “Conversely, the negative implications arise in certain areas where government-owned land has been neglected, particularly in prime locations within the capital. These regions require focused intervention due to their randomly constructed nature.”
Al-Sabari further added, “A swift housing solution for those who have encroached upon public land is crucial. Otherwise, it represents a significant waste of public funds, as government land should be allocated to those in genuine need. Regrettably, some parties have illegally appropriated these lands.”
He emphasized, “Granting land ownership to violators could deter investment. A viable solution lies in collaborating with real estate developers who can create well-serviced residential areas with necessary infrastructure and amenities such as schools and healthcare facilities, provided the government acts quickly to close this gap.”
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