Title: Iran’s Housing Foundation Outlines Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Rural Housing Initiatives
In a comprehensive press briefing, Hojatoleslam val-Moslemin Hossein Rouhani Nejad, the representative of the Supreme Leader in the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, detailed the institution’s multifaceted efforts in national reconstruction and housing development, underscoring its decades-long commitment to supporting citizens.
Swift Response to Recent Conflict
Emphasizing the Foundation’s immediate mobilization, Rouhani Nejad reported that from the first hours of the conflict on the 23rd of Khordad, the Foundation activated its machinery for debris removal and damage assessment in affected residential areas. He stated that the Foundation’s inherent duty compelled it not only to provide livelihood aid to the affected but also to ensure temporary housing for damaged households. While some residential units were quickly restored with minor repairs, others required complete reconstruction, a process that has been initiated nationwide.
Collaborative National Reconstruction
The representative clarified the legal and operational framework for reconstruction efforts. He explained that while the Foundation has a clear legal mandate for reconstruction in villages and specified zones following conflicts, the situation in cities is handled based on government directives. In the case of Tehran, due to financial considerations and an offer from the municipality, the responsibility for reconstruction was delegated to the Tehran Municipality. The Housing Foundation promptly handed over all its completed assessments and dossiers—over 8,000 cases—to ensure the continuity of the work. Across the country, the Foundation has collaborated with provincial governors to repair and reinforce public infrastructure damaged during the conflict.
A Legacy of Building and Rebuilding
Rouhani Nejad highlighted the Foundation’s extensive historical role, noting that since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, it has rebuilt or repaired over 2.3 million residential units. This includes the significant responsibility it shouldered in reconstructing destroyed units during the eight years of the Sacred Defense. He reaffirmed that the Foundation, as an institution under the guidance of the Supreme Leader, continues these duties by relying on popular capacities.
Expanding Housing Access and Loans
The briefing also covered the Foundation’s ongoing housing schemes. A key focus is the legal mandate to renovate 200,000 rural housing units annually, as well as units in cities with populations under 25,000. For this critical initiative, a 400 million Toman loan is available, featuring a 5% service fee and a 20-year repayment period. With a household’s own financial contribution, this facilitates the provision of a 60 to 70 square meter unit.
Rouhani Nejad noted that this renovation loan has increased significantly over time and that its future value is dependent on government resource allocation. He expressed optimism that the government views the Foundation’s proposals positively, particularly the request for the 400 million Toman loan at a 5% fee for housing the underprivileged. The First Vice President is personally following up on the matter, with the hope of soon delivering 50,000 such housing units. The Foundation’s overarching goal is to make housing facilities more affordable for low-income citizens, working in tandem with the government on national housing projects.