Historic Samarra struggles with service deficiencies, unemployment

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Samarra, a city rich in history and Islamic heritage, and once listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is currently facing severe service deficiencies and a lack of job opportunities, casting a shadow over its historical splendor.

Residents of Samarra have expressed frustration over the deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate public services.

The city is plagued by unpaved streets, unreliable electricity, and incomplete sewage systems, all of which significantly impact the daily lives of its inhabitants.

One local resident shared with Kurdistan 24, “This historic city, which receives considerable attention from organizations like UNICEF, remains neglected. We hold the Prime Minister responsible and urge him to intervene directly to address these ongoing crises in Samarra.”

Another citizen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the chronic issues that have persisted for years.

"The city has a major lack of services, especially paving, transportation, and electricity. We have been suffering from all of these for many years. Where were the country's huge budgets spent and where did all that money go?" he asked, underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the allocation of funds.

The challenges in Samarra extend beyond infrastructure.

High unemployment rates and a scarcity of job opportunities have exacerbated the economic hardships faced by the local population.

Many residents complain about the difficult economic conditions and the lack of employment prospects, which add to their daily struggles.

Despite the substantial budget and funds allocated to Samarra, the dominant issues remain unaddressed, particularly the inadequacies in sewage systems and street paving.

The ongoing neglect of such a historically significant city raises concerns about the priorities and effectiveness of local governance and resource management.