Title: Government Announces Major Worker Housing Initiative as Eid al-Mawlid Gift
Subheading: Minister emphasizes housing as key to worker welfare and industrial productivity during visit to Bonab steel complex.
In a significant announcement timed with the Eid al-Mawlid celebrations, the Iranian government has unveiled a major new housing initiative for the nation’s workforce. The plan, presented as a special gesture to workers, was detailed by the Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, Ahmad Vahidi, during a visit to the Yaghoot Bonab Steel Complex in East Azerbaijan province.
Addressing a Core Concern
Minister Vahidi, while congratulating workers on the occasion of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), directly addressed the economic pressures faced by many. He acknowledged the difficult living conditions caused by inflation but was quick to praise the invaluable efforts of workers in sustaining national production and development.
The Minister identified housing as a primary concern, noting that it accounts for 30 to 40 percent of a worker’s living expenses. “The valuable human capital is the most important asset of any production unit,” Vahidi stated. “The retention of workers has a direct role in increasing the productivity and profitability of industries.”
A Collaborative National Project
The centerpiece of the announcement is the imminent launch of construction for 117,000 residential units for workers across nine provinces, with operations set to begin next week. This project revives a tradition of worker housing construction that was prevalent in the 1980s.
The initiative is designed as a collaborative effort:
- Employers in various cities will shoulder at least 20% of the costs.
- The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development will provide suitable land for investors.
- Banking facilities have been earmarked to support the project’s execution.
Vahidi emphasized that this model benefits all parties, stating, “Therefore, building worker housing is not only in the interest of the workers but also beneficial for employers.”
A Model for Industrial Provinces
Speaking to reporters, the Minister highlighted the strong private sector in regions like East Azerbaijan, pointing to the newly inaugurated Yaghoot steel complex as an example of robust production capability. He expressed hope that with the cooperation of entrepreneurs and local representatives, the housing scheme would soon be launched in East Azerbaijan, which he described as having immense industrial potential to become a successful model for the entire country.
This housing initiative is framed as a strategic investment in both the welfare of the workforce and the long-term stability and efficiency of Iran’s industrial sector.