Investors demand action after Sulaymaniyah’s $40 million fruit market remains closed

SULAYMANIYAH — Investors at the Sulaymaniyah Western Fruit and Vegetable Market have expressed frustration after their $40 million investment has yet to yield results, as the market remains unopened despite its official inauguration. On Saturday, a group of investors protested outside the project’s construction company, demanding immediate resolution to the numerous issues delaying the market’s operation.

Barzan Yasin, representing the market’s investors, told 964media that although $40 million had been paid to the construction company, there are still “32 major issues” preventing the market from functioning. “We invested heavily in this market, but it hasn’t been completed as expected,” Yasin said, citing problems like the lack of cooling units and a reliable water supply.

The market, built on 103 acres by the Rozhiki Nwe Company, features 250 storage sections, 100 shops, and cold storage facilities capable of holding 1,500 tons of fresh produce. Although it was inaugurated in March 2022 by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and Minister of Municipalities Begard Talabani, it was operational for only one month before shutting down due to insufficient services and a low footfall.

Approximately 350 investors have participated in the project. Yasin pointed out that the Sulaymaniyah municipal council identified 23 key problems during an investigation that need to be addressed.

“The company claims they have completed the project and handed it over to the relevant authorities, with no further work ongoing at the site,” Yasin explained.

The Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce has pledged support if the project is completed, offering to send experienced traders to assist in restarting operations. “We will continue to push for these issues to be resolved and for the company to compensate us for our financial losses,” Yasin added.

Kamaran Ibrahim, a shop owner and committee member, expressed further concerns. “The market has too many shops and too few customers,” he said, noting that shop spaces have sold for up to $30,000 but many remain unsold. He added that the market’s location far from the city centre, combined with high transportation costs, has also been a significant barrier for traders.

Investors are now urging the company to resolve these issues, stressing that the market could play a crucial role in the local agriculture sector if fully operational.