Ministry of Housing and Construction

9 May 2003

Overall Information

The ministry is responsible for many of the construction projects in Iraq. The ministry is responsible for the national housing
program, the national roads and bridges and construction of public buildings. It has three main components: engineering and design,
research and development related to construction of infrastructure, and construction. The ministry has twelve state owned general
construction companies with offices across the nation. The construction program is carried out by the state owned companies as
well as many private Iraqi and international companies.

Facts on the Police Force

• The ministry has about 14,000 employees.
  
• Prior to the war there were over 250 projects under design or construction.
  
• The main ministry building has been burned and looted.
  
• Most construction company offices have been burned and looted, and construction equipment has been stolen.
  
• Guards have been hired to provide security for remaining infrastructure and equipment.

Frequently asked questions

•Who determines what will be repaired and what buildings have priority?

ORHA has established a project prioritization board to rank projects for decisions on funding. Projects will be identified by local
ministry officials, regional ORHA offices, local military commanders and Ministry officials and submitted to ORHA for
consideration.

•What projects was the ministry involved before the war, and how have they changed after?

The Ministry of Housing and Construction had many projects under design and construction before the war. Each project is now
being reevaluated to determine the national need for continuing. Some projects will be terminated or postponed. Others will
continue as planned.

•Where will the funds for reconstruction come from?

Funding will be provided from a number of sources including frozen Iraqi assets, found Iraqi Dinars, funds from Iraqi government
bank accounts, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, appropriated US funds and funds from other
governments.

•How are the Iraqis and the ORHA advisors working together?

Iraqi personnel and many senior Iraqi leaders within the Ministry of Housing and Construction work cooperatively toward the goal
of a free Iraq. To date the working relationships have been very positive and constructive.