Baghdad Traffic Improvement: Opening of Green Zone brings convenience to residents

World
Europe

02:22

Baghdad's Green Zone has increased access to the public after nearly a month of preparations. Civilian vehicles can now drive through at certain hours. Residents of the Iraqi capital have praised the policy as a "nice gesture" from the government. Fu Xinri reports from Baghdad.

FU XINRI BAGHDAD "I am now standing by a main Green Zone street. As you can see, a lot of vehicles are crossing the Zone, a journey of only about 5 minutes. But in the past, it would take 20 to 30 minutes."

For the past 15 years, the Green Zone took up a large area in central Baghdad, where governmental and embassy buildings were concentrated. The area was surrounded by concrete blast wall, and had strict prohibitions on civilian cars. The newly-opened streets connect in four directions across the zone, bringing great convenience for the capital's residents.

SALIM AL-BAYATI BAGHDAD RESIDENT "Since the concrete blocks were removed and the streets opened, traffic has improved, and it's still getting better."

"The opening of the Green Zone is correct and effective. It will relieve the traffic jams. I hope all the roads here could be opened at last."

The security situation in Baghdad has been stable for several months, but the government is still cautious. It has limited the access times to 16 hours a day, which is still a big increase from the previous 4 hours a day.

AMMAR WALID SPOKESPERSON, GENERAL TRAFFIC DIRECTORATE "Another entrance was opened recently, and the roads should be open 24-7 in the near future. Then we will see the relief this has on surrounding traffic congestion."

Prime Minister Mahdi said in his inauguration speech that government officials should live in the same districts as ordinary citizens. The opening of the Green Zone has been quite positively received by society, and helped improve the image of the government.

SHAKER AL MOUSSAWI BAGHDAD RESIDENT "The Prime Minister and Baghdad Municipality have done a great job in opening the Green Zone. This is what Baghdad is supposed to look like."

The work doesn't stop there. The government is already demolishing concrete blocks in other places, so that more roads and streets can be opened in the near future.