Controversial plans cause stir

Sulaymaniyah livestock traders granted two-month extension amid market relocation tensions

2024-08-27 | 16:53

SULAYMANIYAH — Livestock traders at the Sulaymaniyah Livestock Market have been given a two-month extension to relocate their goods and supplies to a new site, following growing tensions surrounding the market’s planned move.

The current market, supporting nearly a thousand traders and livestock corrals, is crucial for around 4,000 families. Previously, traders were given just seven days to vacate the premises but did not comply.

The Sulaymaniyah District Administration ordered the market’s closure due to deteriorating conditions, including unsanitary environments and the need to relocate it outside the city. The primary concern for traders is that the land where the market is located has been acquired by a company planning to develop a residential project. A new market site has been designated in the village of Yekmal, near Arabat, close to Sulaymaniyah. Traders are required to pay 10 million dinars for every 200 square meters at the new location.

Today, Sulaymaniyah Mayor Awat Mohammed visited the market and later stated that the relocation is necessary “due to congestion in Sulaymaniyah and the need to comply with environmental, health, and veterinary regulations.” He emphasized that the move is “in the best interest of all parties involved.” 964media has learned that the mayor also promised to negotiate with the company managing the new market to lower the cost of the allocated land.

The traders now have two months to complete the move, with the mayor pledging “to do everything possible to support the traders during this transition.” He added, “The district administration will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure the relocation process benefits the traders and livestock owners.”

Traders have consistently expressed concerns about the move, and on July 24, several were arrested. Faruq Ahmed, a representative of the traders, told 964media that nearly 30 traders were detained but have since been released. The arrests followed an incident where some traders attacked and damaged equipment belonging to a company involved in the relocation.

In June, Omar Hama Karim, the engineer and project manager for the company constructing the new livestock market, told 964media that the project spans 77 dunams (approximately 19 acres). “The project will include a livestock market, a slaughterhouse, an animal shelter, several shops, a marketplace for skins and fodder, a health center, a police station, and a restaurant,” he said. Both small and large livestock markets will be established within the site.