Halabja begins relocation of construction supply shops to ease congestion in city center

HALABJA — The Halabja municipality has initiated legal procedures to relocate store owners selling construction materials and tools from the city center to the industrial zone, citing traffic disruption and concerns about the area’s appearance.

Halabja Mayor Salam Bilal told 964media that the move was prompted by congestion caused by the operations. “These stores are no longer suitable for the center of the city,” he said. “They’ve caused heavy congestion, especially because they operate using shovels, loaders, and tractors, which disrupt traffic.”

The local government has asked affected store owners to report to the municipality on May 8 to begin relocation procedures. Authorities said most of the business owners already own plots in the designated industrial area and are now expected to shift operations there.

Municipal officials have urged store owners to coordinate with authorities to complete the transition.