Sadr City campaign removes planning violations at one of its oldest markets

BAGHDAD — Sadr City’s First Municipality launched a large-scale campaign early Wednesday to remove encroachments in Souq Al-Hay, one of the district’s oldest and largest markets. The operation began at Surah Al-Sayyid roundabout and ended at the Orzdi intersection, municipal officials said.

The campaign also targeted unauthorized sheep slaughterhouses and stalls in the same area, which had caused foul odors and waste dumping in the nearby streets. The animals present were confiscated by municipal teams.

Anwar Subeih, head of the violations committee in the First Sadr Municipality, told 964media: “Based on directives from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Baghdad, and senior authorities, and under direct instructions from the general director, the municipality carried out a campaign that included the removal of Souq Al-Hay and Jawader Street violations.”

He said the campaign aims to widen the main road, which had been narrowed by more than 21 meters due to vendor stalls. “Our teams have started removing the entire market in stages, with completion scheduled for next week,” he added.

Subeih confirmed that these measures are part of the “More Beautiful Baghdad” initiative, stressing that “the work will continue until all violations are removed and the streets developed.”