Ministry of Planning says it has ‘resolved’ two-thirds of stalled projects

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Planning announced that solutions have been found to resume work on two-thirds of the country’s stalled infrastructure projects, with officials now focused on completing the remainder through three key approaches. The ministry said these issues are being discussed “in every weekly Cabinet session.”

Iraq has struggled with numerous delays in its infrastructure projects—problems attributed to financial constraints, corruption, political disputes, and security concerns—which have led to substantial financial losses and hindered development. In a statement to Al-Sabah, ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi noted, “The ministry has identified 1,434 stalled projects implemented by various ministries and governorates across multiple sectors. These include 3,000 components and contracts, including internal contracts and subcontracts.”

He explained, “The government program prioritized tracking stalled and delayed projects and finding solutions to resume them. The ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, including governorates and ministries, has managed to resolve issues with 1,104 service projects across multiple sectors, such as buildings, public services, transportation, telecommunications, industry, and agriculture.”

Al-Hindawi outlined the three main approaches used to address the unresolved projects. “The first is resuming work on projects that do not have any obstacles. The second involves resolving problems facing some projects, which are now in the process of being restarted. The third approach focuses on projects that require increased financial allocations, particularly those that have stopped and are at risk of deterioration.”

He added that a specialized committee—including Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim, the head of the Integrity Commission, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, and representatives from other ministries—continues to monitor progress. As an example of prioritization, he noted that “15 government hospitals in the governorates have been brought into service out of a total of 73, as this sector was given priority due to its direct impact on citizens’ lives.”

The ministry also receives recommendations from relevant authorities regarding non-compliant and stalled contractors. “We review each case after hearing from both sides before deciding whether to blacklist companies that violate contract terms,” Al-Hindawi said. “The blacklisting process lasts for two years and requires a request from the affected entity. If companies rectify their status, they can be removed from the blacklist, but their classification rating will be downgraded.”