$90 million for new roads and bridges

 

By Mohammed Mustafa

 

Azzaman, June 12, 2005

 

The Reconstruction and Housing Ministry is currently working on projects worth $90 million.

 

The projects include bridges, new roads, flyovers and hospitals, according to a ministry statement faxed to the newspaper.

 

Work is underway on the Diwaniya-Samawa highway for the construction of two more lanes to ease the flow of traffic in the south, the statement said.

 

A new bridge is being constructed to link the religious cities of Kufa and Najaf to facilitate movement of pilgrims during holy days, it added.

 

The highway between Doura in Baghdad and Yousiffiya is being repaired, the statement said.

 

In Basra, the foundations of a new hospital are being laid down at a total cost of nearly $5 million.

 

In Bayaa in Baghdad, work is proceeding on the construction of new interjections and flyovers which are expected to be ready by the end of the year.

 

Iraqi companies, both state-run and private, currently shoulder the reconstruction of the country.

 

The ministry’s projects are being implemented by local firms as insurgent attacks on foreigners have forced almost all foreign contractors to leave.