In Iraqi Kurdistan, an anti-concrete law to adapt to high heat

The thermometer is already approaching 45°C, it will no doubt soon climb to 50°C: in Iraqi Kurdistan, the authorities are trying to find ways to adapt to these high temperatures. In Akrê, a small town of 200,000 inhabitants on the mountainside in northern Iraq, concrete is simply forbidden for renovation and in the construction of houses in three historic districts. Its use is punishable by three years in prison and a fine of twice the value of his house.

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The aim is to preserve heritage but also to fight against heat by giving priority to earth and stone, which are more effective than concrete in keeping cooler, ten degrees cooler than outside without air conditioning. A return to traditional Kurdish houses with “materials adapted to the environment of the region“, specifies Hiwa Shimal Ahmad, the urban planner of the city. According to him, “these materials are also less dangerous than concrete for health in addition to being effective against heat, cold and humidity“.

Stone too expensive for the most disadvantaged

But stone is much more expensive than concrete for the often poor inhabitants of these neighborhoods, owners of old houses that need renovation work. This anti-concrete law thus prevents them from carrying out urgent construction sites: “We had to leave that room right behind, it got too dangerous“, testifies Ishmael in front of his house full of cracks in the old Akrê. We live in the other rooms. This law is irresponsible on the part of the government.“

“On the one hand they forbid us to use concrete, and on the other hand they don’t help us financially.”

Ishmael, inhabitant of Akre

at franceinfo

“However, this law concerns only three districts of the city. They could still help us“, continues Ishmael. In his street, half of the families have abandoned their homes to go to neighborhoods where concrete is allowed.