May 1st 2024.
A failed housing project in Iran has recently caught the attention of many, as eerie images have surfaced of the deserted community. Located 31 miles outside of Tehran, the Mehra Mer project was intended to be a self-sufficient community with all the necessary amenities such as hospitals, schools, and public transportation. However, the reality is far from what was initially envisioned.
Today, the deserted project looks like it belongs in a dystopian film, with around 100 tower blocks rising from the surrounding desert. These blocks seem to have appeared out of nowhere, with no proper infrastructure or roads leading to them. They are a part of the larger development called Pardis, meaning "paradise," but the name seems to be a bit of an overstatement.
Originally built between 2001 and 2011, the Mehra Mer project was meant to address Iran's population crisis by providing affordable housing for lower-income workers. However, things took a turn for the worse when the first residents moved in and discovered faulty sewage systems, inadequate water access, and inconsistent electricity. The 2017 earthquake also caused significant damage, leaving many buildings uninhabitable.
As if these challenges weren't enough, the project also faced financial issues due to the country's struggling economy. The soaring inflation rates made the cost of the apartments unaffordable for the very people it was meant to benefit. These factors, along with ecological obstacles, eventually led to the project's abandonment.
Today, the deserted community is a ghost town, with piles of construction materials scattered around. Some of the blocks remain unfinished, with exposed concrete and no doors or windows. However, it's worth noting that the community is not entirely abandoned, as the most recent census recorded a population of over 73,000 people. But it's believed that most residents spend the majority of their time in Tehran, commuting back to Mehra Mer only to sleep.
Despite the community's apparent failure, it's clear that the project had good intentions. Unfortunately, the reality was not as promising as the initial vision. With no proper infrastructure or public transportation connecting Mehra Mer to Tehran, the satellite city has become an unappealing option for potential homeowners. And so, the once-promising "Paradise City" remains a desolate reminder of a failed housing scheme.
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