Improving the environment in poor neighbourhoods through community participation

The provision of public and social services in Iraq had always been the responsibility of the central Government. The whole dimension of these services underwent dramatic change as a result of many years of sanctions; the local governments had no longer been able to meet the basic needs (housing, water supply, sanitation, solid waste collection, etc). To put the concept of community participation into practice, a pilot scheme (Baghdad Neighbourhood Rehabilitation project) of essential remedial measures had been undertaken (1999-2003) in four low-income neighbourhoods characterized by severe dilapidation of the living environment and services. This scheme (funded by UNDP, UN-Habitat, and EC) aimed at improving the living conditions in these areas through the support of communities and local municipalities. Rehabilitation works were conducted to promote the concept of community participation and train the residents on self-management and local leadership to sustain these services and reduce the overburden on the municipalities.