Basra residents protest, demanding better services and living conditions

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Saturday, dozens of residents from the Baraziya area in central Basra province took to the streets, demanding improved services and better living conditions.

The demonstrators held the local government accountable for the stalled sewerage project, which has been delayed due to issues with an Iranian company handling the work.

The protests follow recent statements by Yasser al-Hussaini, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Economy and Industry Committee. On July 20, al-Hussaini pointed to widespread corruption and mismanagement as key factors exacerbating the crisis in Basra. He specifically blamed Basra's governor, Asaad al-Eidani, citing numerous violations and corrupt practices in the city's investment and service projects.

Al-Hussaini highlighted the significant misuse of wealth and finances, particularly noting the impact of oil smuggling on the city's welfare. He emphasized the severe consequences of corruption on the health and well-being of Basra's residents, revealing that seven out of every ten cancer cases in Iraq are recorded in Basra, a statistic that underscores the dire situation.

The protests in Baraziya clearly manifest the growing frustration among Basra’s residents, who are calling for immediate action to address their grievances and improve their living conditions.

Corruption in Iraq has been a persistent and pervasive issue, affecting various sectors and undermining public trust in government institutions. This widespread corruption has stifled economic growth and led to significant deficiencies in public services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The situation in Basra is a stark example of how deeply entrenched corruption can erode the quality of life for ordinary citizens, prompting them to demand accountability and meaningful reform.