The cost of building housing in rural areas is 10 million Toman per square meter / Provide statistics and documentation for the inability of the Housing Foundation

EghtesadOnline: the draft of the Sixth Development Plan had included suggestions from the Management and Planning Organization to the government, including proposals to dissolve various organizations such as the Housing Foundation, the Ministry of Energy, and the Supreme Poverty Empowerment Headquarters, while creating new bodies such as the Ministry of Energy and the Supreme Headquarters for Poverty Empowerment.

In the final years of the 12th administration, the issue of dissolving the Housing Foundation gained some traction, with discussions suggesting that the foundation could be merged into the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad. However, after some time, this proposal was abandoned, and the dissolution of the Housing Foundation under the late Tabesh’s leadership was ruled out.

However, a report from the Parliamentary Research Center indicated that 19 years after the launch of the "Rural Housing Renovation and Reconstruction Plan," approximately 41% of rural housing units (equivalent to 2.5 million units) and 8.5 million residents remain in poor condition and are in urgent need of intervention to prevent potential risks.

In an interview with *Eghtesad Online*, Gholamreza Salehi, the head of the Housing Foundation, responded to questions regarding the plan to dissolve or merge the foundation into the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, and to the recent report from the Parliamentary Research Center, which reveals that about 41% of rural housing units are still dilapidated. He stated, "If it is claimed that the Housing Foundation is incapable of advancing rural housing development, reconstruction, and modernization, then we need evidence, data, and statistics to back up such claims."

He stressed, "The Housing Foundation is the only organization whose funding has been fully utilized, with no violations, and it has successfully carried out rural housing modernization and renovation."

The Housing Foundation Is Not Incapable: Present the Evidence

Salehi further emphasized that the responsibilities of the Housing Foundation are clearly defined in the Seventh Development Plan. "The Housing Foundation is committed to fulfilling its duties, namely rural housing renovation and the implementation of rural development plans. If someone claims that the Housing Foundation is incapable or has fallen short of its responsibilities, they should present statistical evidence and documents."

In response to a question about a recent critique from the Parliamentary Research Center regarding the continuing safety concerns in rural housing, Salehi explained: "In the Seventh Development Plan, it has been stipulated that 200,000 housing units will receive 200,000 loans for seismic retrofitting. This will ensure the prompt and effective strengthening of rural homes."

Rural Housing Strengthening to Reach 70% by 2026

He added, "Currently, 50 to 55% of rural housing has been upgraded and reinforced. But with the provision of loans, the goal is to reach 70% of rural homes strengthened by 2026. These figures demonstrate that the renovation and upgrading of rural housing is being pursued seriously, and we will certainly achieve this goal."

Salehi also highlighted that the 400 million rial loan for rural housing, with a 5% interest rate, is expected to see significant demand. He pointed out, "If you visit villages where renovations have been completed, you will see firsthand how much strengthening homes can reduce earthquake damage.

By comparing villages that have undergone retrofitting with those that haven't, it becomes clear how beneficial these loans and renovations can be."

Rural Housing Construction Costs: 10 Million Rials per Square Meter

Regarding the recent increase in the rural housing loan cap, which will begin to be disbursed in December, Salehi explained, "The 400 million rial loan for rural housing will also be available for towns with populations under 25,000, though rural areas will take priority."

He continued, "Currently, for the construction of a 70-square-meter single-story house in rural areas, the cost per square meter is between 9 to 10 million rials. Therefore, the 400 million rial loan can cover more than 50% of the construction costs for rural housing."