The World Bank has approved $400 million in funds earmarked for rebuilding efforts in liberated areas of war-ravaged Iraq, following years of war between the Iraqi security forces and Islamic State group militants.
The World Bank said in a statement:
“The package represents an additional financing to the Iraq Emergency Operation for Development Project ($350 million) approved back in July 2015 and already underway in seven cities in Diyala and Salah Ad-Din governorates.”
The bank also continued that it would look for ways for the private sector to get involved in reconstruction, especially to help reconstruct Mosul’s battered airport which will facilitate further relief. Partner agencies have committed resources, including several United Nations agencies, as well as foreign government including Germany, Kuwait, and Japan.
Water and sanitation, electricity, health, transport and municipal services are the five main areas which the aid will focus on, also including the restoration of historic sites within Iraq that have been damaged by conflict.
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Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, which was recaptured in May by Iraqi security forces backed by the United States, sustained heavy damage due to coalition bombardment and is expected to be a major recipient of the aid package. Romadi, which was estimated to have been 80% destroyed by coalition bombing, is also a target of aid.
The Iraqi government has estimated that the rebuilding of Mosul will take at least five years and many billions of dollars.