Background
The Iraqi housing sector suffers from major deficiencies including widespread housing shortages, particularly in urban areas where over 70 percent of the population lives. Acute infrastructure problems alongside deteriorating housing conditions have created the slum-like conditions experienced by nearly 58% of urban residents. Government of Iraq (GoI) with the support of UN-HABITAT has taken major steps to address these issues, particularly with the preparation of pro-poor Iraq National Housing Policy (to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers). Mirroring national efforts, has been a parallel effort focusing on applying new policy directions at a local level with the development of pre-poor housing strategies for Erbil, Najaf and Hilla cities. UN-HABITAT is currently supporting municpal authorities in Erbil in implementing the Erbil Housing Strategy, and intends to extend this support to other cities.
Objectives
- To support local authorities in implementing pro-poor housing strategies through improving the governorates capacities;
- To enhanced slum upgrading and energy efficient housing practices;
- To disseminate decentralized housing strategy implementation experience;
- To improve linkages between Municipal Authorities and Central Government in the implementation of pro-poor Housing Strategies.
Target Groups
- Vulnerable urban households that currently suffer from idadequate housing.
- Local authorities, institutions and directorates in the cities of Najaf, Hillah and Basrah
- Ministry of Construction and Housing.
- Iraq's Governorates.
