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Welcome to Cluster 4 - Infrastructure and Housing section of the UN Iraq Web Portal.

The purpose of this section is to provide information on activities related to Infrastructure and Housing, undertaken by the United Nations and its partners. 

General information on the Cluster

Overview and Challenges

Two decades of war and sanctions have left Iraq’s infrastructure and housing in a dilapidated and dysfunctional state. The effects of the recent conflict have severely aggravated the problem as the subsequent looting resulted in the loss of most assets and offices that used to belong to the institutions that were managing various aspects of infrastructure. Various key components of the national electrical grid were destroyed, their valuable materials stolen, and the sewage and water treatment plants, as well as pumping stations, were looted and then torched. As a result of the conflicts, the port infrastructure of Umm Qasr sustained severe damage and navigational and environmental problems posed by wrecks in the approach channels further limited access to the port. There is a serious need to address the poor living conditions of many Iraqis whether brought about by inadequate and insufficient housing, by poor management of urban space or the run down state of urban services and infrastructure. Additionally, policies in both infrastructure and housing (including urban planning) need serious review in order to manage both pressing short-term issues and prepare for future demands.

UNITED NATIONS Work in Iraq:

The United Nations is working with other organisations to ensure key infrastructure is rehabilitated and utilised efficiently, to make real progress towards developing national capacities in planning and prioritisation, a sustainable electricity network for consumers and key national institutions, clear access to Iraqi sea ports, adequate housing for all, a vibrant construction sector, and a reliable and effective telecommunications network

The UN faces these challenges with a cohesive plan of action, the wide horizon of needs and activities benefiting from the UN’s ability to draw from its extensive global experience in finding solutions to complex problems, including a significant facility for rapid programme implementation focusing on durable solutions to this broad range of activities. An experienced cadre of national staff, backed by international experts, have the advantage of close links with national authorities over many years.

Future Works and Challenges:

UN agencies have been working  since 2003 to improve Iraqi living standards through the provision of emergency support to the electricity grid and its key facilities, improving living standards (especially vulnerable groups), initiating first projects in planning and technical capacity building, and ensuring access to Iraqi’s only available sea port for humanitarian and reconstruction supplies. The key activities for 2004 and beyond include:

• Developing operational and institutional efficiencies in the electricity sector and strengthening the capability of the Ministry of Electricity to effectively coordinate external assistance.

• Providing support and technical advice for rebuilding and rehabilitating key electrical infrastructure and facilities critical for providing adequate and reliable power supply to essential humanitarian services and the population at large.

• Dredging and wreck removal in the upper gulf, Umm Qasr and lower Shatt Al-Arab and developing national capacities  for the sustainability of the processes.

• Working on an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) national policy and on regulations to bring added value to key Iraqi institutions in the field of information and communication technologies.

• Working on a national housing policy and strategy and providing targeted  assistance to vulnerable  groups to improve their living conditions.

• Strengthening the urban sector by building national and decentralised capacity for urban management and land administration.

• Initiating steps to modernise the building and construction industry.

UNDG Iraq Trust Fund Projects

1. National Dispatch Center project (stages I & II): Stage I of the project was funded bilaterally while the funds for the second stage were channelled through IRFFI in July 2004. The pre-qualified bidders for the SCADA/EMS and the RTU s (stages I & II) will submit their bids in Nov. 2004. Delivery under the turnkey contract is expected to start in March 2005.
2. Rehabilitation of units 1 & 4 of the HARTHA Power Station (stages I &II): This project was funded under two stages. The first bilaterally while the second through the IRFFI funding mechanism.  Funds for stage II were transferred to the Cluster in August 2004.Deliveries under stage I of the project commenced in August and Sept. 2004 and will continue towards the end of 2004.  For Stage II, Mo Electricity and UNDP project management team are currently reviewing the final list of equipment and finalizing the technical specifications. A contract is expected to be in place before end 2004.
3. Rehabilitation of the Taji and Mousel power stations: These two projects are funded through the IRFFI funding mechanism (earmarked). Funds were transferred to the Cluster in August 2004. The detailed scopes of works for the two projects have been completed jointly by Ministry of Electricity and UNDP technical team. The contractor has submitted his financial offer which is being reviewed and verified by the projects management teams. A contract is expected to be in place by Nov. 2004.
4. Training & Emergency Assistance-Electricity: This project is funded from the uneramarked IRFFI funds. Implementation on ground is expected to start in October 2004. In regards to the training centre, a team of three MoE representatives arrived late September this year in Amman for meetings with the project management team to start the activities under this component of the project. In regards to other components of the project, specifications of the equipment to be procured for emergency repairs of the network are being finalised in consultation with the ministry and the procurement process will start sometime in October 2004. 
5. Strengthening the Capacity of the Housing Sector in Iraq: Under this project a training needs assessment has been undertaken in consultation with the Ministry of Construction and Construction and the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works and the Mayoralty of Baghdad. As a result of the training needs assessment, a training programme is now being finalised with the first set of training workshops scheduled for October and November, 2004. A Housing Symposium  has convened in Amman to provide a forum for all stakeholders to identify the priority actions for the reform of the housing sector in Iraq and the implementation of a holistic strategy to improve the effectiveness of the sector in meeting the immediate and long terms housing needs of Iraqis.
6. Dredging of Um Qasr Port Approach Channel: Six international dredging companies (or Joint Ventures) were pre-qualified for the construction project.  Bid documents were sent and a pre-bid meeting was organized on the 15^th of September in Kuwait, followed by a site visit to Umm Qasr.  UNDP undertook a bathymetric survey and basic soil survey of the entire approach channel and disposal areas in August.  The final report of this survey was handed over to the pre-qualified bidders during the pre-bid meeting.  The bid submission date is 19^th of October 2004.

Partners of the Infrastructure & Housing Cluster

UNDP, UN-HABITAT, ESCWA, UNIDO, ILO, and ITU who work closely with the World Bank, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation, the Ministry of Electricity, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Telecommunications, the Ministry of Housing and Construction, the Ministry of Justice, Municipalities, NGOs, and the private sector – consultants and contractors.

Cluster Manager :  Michel Gautier
Email address  michel.gautier@undp.org

Deputy   Robert Goodwin
Email address  rscgoodwin@hotmail.com

Documents
Library of Infrastructure & Housing related information - containing repots, assessments and related information.

Strategic Framework - Cluster 4 (49.1 KB  doc format)

Infrastructure & Housing Sector Coordination Meetings Minutes

Note!  Questions / suggestions concerning the content of this section can be directed to the UNAMI Office in Amman through the feedback form
 

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