An Assessment of Informal Housing Policies in Iraq

Abstract

Housing represents a major problem in Iraq, characterized by a large quantitative and qualitative deficit. The housing problem has accumulated over time and has become deeply entrenched. After 2003, the phenomenon of informal housing has emerged and has rapidly worsened for many reasons. By 2017, the number of residents living in informal settlements had exceeded three million. The National Housing Policy 2010-2016 and its updates, which is the current policy in force, address the general housing problem through seven secondary policies, one of which deals with informal housing. These policies included executive measures within a six-year timeframe. However, the problem of informal housing has not been resolved. Instead, it has worsened. In this context, this study identifies the defects in the policy in order to amend, update, or reformulate it. It is hypothesized that the success of the housing policy depends on the realism and objectivity of its contents and objectives. Therefore, a theoretical and practical evaluation was conducted of the current informal housing policy, including its planned implementation procedures and time limits. The evaluation concluded that the policy is largely unrealistic and lacks objectivity. The period for implementation was also too short to achieve the policy objectives. Additionally, relative importance has not been given to the informal housing policy compared to the other six secondary policies. This study suggests updating and reformulating the policy by adding items to its implementation procedures and increasing the period. Priority should be given to the informal housing policy compared to the other policies.