Debate over land use in a Sulaymaniyah district: park or investment project?

HAJIAWA — In Sulaymaniyah’s Hajiawa district, the future of a central piece of land, previously the site of the Hajiawa Electricity Directorate, has sparked a heated debate. The community is divided between those who want to turn it into a park and green space and those who advocate for a development project.

The building, constructed in 1988, now stands vacant as the directorate has moved to a new facility. Azwar Jafar, the mayor of Hajiawa district, told 964media, “So far, nothing official has been communicated to me.” He added that the Raparin administration has the authority to decide the land’s use. Hajiawa is located some 120km north of Sulaymaniyah City.

A segment of the Hajiawa community, including civil activists, supports transforming the land into a park for public recreation. Another group of residents argues that a development project would bring more benefits to the area.

The final decision on the land’s use remains pending, with both sides awaiting an official resolution from the relevant authorities.