An Indian construction company laid the foundation stone Monday (July 2nd) for a large housing project south of Baghdad dedicated to the poor and to individuals injured by terrorist attacks, the Iraqi Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction said.

Abdullah Majdi, the ministry spokesperson, said Eta "laid the foundation stone for the complex in the al-Zafaraniya neighbourhood south of Baghdad. The project includes 2,700 housing units."

Majdi said he expects work on the $180 million facility will be completed within 18 months.

"The company approved engineering designs suitable for the residents who are primarily disabled people who lost their limbs in terrorist operations that occurred in the country in recent years," he added.

Once completed, the company will hand over the complex to the government, which will provide the housing to beneficiaries at no cost.