Iraq intends to build 19 bridges in its capital Baghdad as part of plans to reconstruct war-damaged facilities and tackle road congestions, the local press reported on Wednesday. 

The projects will be awarded after the 2023 budget is ratified by Parliament following cabinet approval in March, Aliqtisad News and other newspapers said, quoting Baqer Al-Saadi, a member of Parliament’s services and construction committee. 

“There are several planned projects in the capital...they include the construction of 19 new bridges...they will be awarded after the budget is issued,” he said. 

Iraq’s planned spending in 2023 is estimated at $152 billion, including investment of nearly $36.5 billion. 

(Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)

(anoop.menon@lseg.com)