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Minister of Transport Reveals Final Path Approval and Key Developments for Iraq’s Major Development Road Project Set for Mid-Year Launch

Iraq’s Development Road Project: Key Updates and Strategic Importance

The Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, has announced that the middle of this year will mark the unveiling of the first segment of the ambitious development road project. Following the announcement of the project’s final track, five fundamental components essential to the initiative have been outlined.

In his recent statement, Al-Saadawi reported that a meeting of the Supreme Committee for the Development Road Project was conducted, chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Shi’a Al-Sudani. The meeting focused on critical aspects of the project, including updates on the progress of its various components and the achievement rates at the Grand Port. A comprehensive presentation highlighted these achievement metrics in relation to ongoing initiatives linked to the port.

The security measures for the initiative were also a focal point, with plans developed by the Joint Operations Leadership to secure the route from Al-Faw Port to the Turkish border. Additionally, the financial and economic frameworks were discussed, featuring reports from the economic advisory firm, Oliver and Ayman, concerning the financial modeling and investment vision for the project.

Al-Saadawi elaborated on several challenges facing the project’s implementation. Key obstacles including mine clearance, compliance with timelines, and land encroachments were addressed, with Prime Minister Al-Sudani directing enhanced efforts to mitigate these issues. The meeting also reviewed updates concerning the strategic plan for the port related to the development road project.

The Minister highlighted that completion rates for various project components are notably advanced. Specific milestones reached include:

  • Economic Feasibility Study: 100% completion
  • Initial Designs for Railway and Highway: 100% completion
  • Soil Tests: 1,000 km completed out of 1,200 km
  • Final Approval of Project Route: Received

Further, the first passage of the project, connecting Al-Faw Port to Nasiriyah Governorate over a distance of 217 km, is expected to be announced in mid-2023. Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of adhering to the project timeline, insisting that delays are unacceptable and calling for cohesive efforts from all involved entities.

Consulting roles have been designated to facilitate project execution. The Italian company BTP will manage initial and detailed designs, economic feasibility assessments, and soil analyses. Meanwhile, Oliver and Ayman will oversee the preparation of the financial and economic models, as well as project governance and marketing strategies.

Al-Saadawi reiterated that the development road is not merely a transport corridor but an integrated economic project intended to diversify Iraq’s economy beyond its historical reliance on oil revenues. The five core components of this initiative encompass:

  1. Grand Port
  2. Industrial and Economic Cities in the Al-Faw Region
  3. Residential Cities and Coastal Developments
  4. Railway and Highway Infrastructure
  5. Industrial Cities and Investment Zones Along the Route from Al-Faw to Turkey

Regarding the progress at the Grand Port, key statistics reveal that the five sidewalks have been completed, with the road linking Al-Faw Port and Umm Qasr reaching a completion rate of 96%. The navigational channel stands at 81% completion, alongside ongoing stages of floating and installation of concrete blocks in the Khor Al-Zubair channel.

In conclusion, Al-Saadawi articulated that this project constitutes a pivotal gateway to a comprehensive economic transformation in Iraq, aimed at stimulating economic growth and generating substantial employment opportunities. The venture is poised to lay the groundwork for a diversified and sustainable economic future in the region.

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