Collapsed bridge in Anbar province becomes symbol of corruption, mismanagement

The bridge in Fallujah, meant to facilitate transportation and improve infrastructure, instead stands as a testament to the severe financial and administrative corruption that has plagued Anbar province.

The photo of the collapsed bridge in Fallujah in Anbar province.
The photo of the collapsed bridge in Fallujah in Anbar province.

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A bridge in Anbar province has become a stark symbol of corruption and the misuse of public funds after it collapsed before it could even be opened to the public.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and observers, who attribute the collapse to the use of substandard materials and widespread corruption in the province.

The bridge in Fallujah, meant to facilitate transportation and improve infrastructure, instead stands as a testament to the severe financial and administrative corruption that has plagued Anbar province.

Citizens and experts alike point to the lack of oversight in the construction process and the involvement of officials in siphoning off public funds as key reasons behind the bridge’s premature collapse.

A local resident of Fallujah expressed his frustration, stating, "The collapse of this bridge is a clear result of administrative and technical corruption. Poor-quality materials were used, and there was a complete lack of supervision throughout the project."

Another resident voiced a similar sentiment, calling on authorities to take action: "There are strong suspicions of corruption within many institutions in Anbar province. We urge the Commission of Integrity to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold the responsible officials accountable."

Reports from the Commission of Integrity have highlighted a worrying increase in corruption across several Iraqi provinces, with Anbar consistently topping the list since 2018.

Observers note that certain political parties have effectively seized control of the province's wealth, turning government offices into personal banks for their own enrichment.

"Most of the offices in Anbar have become money-making machines for certain political factions," said Ahmad Shabib, a local politician. "In one instance, an official was arrested with approximately $20 million hidden in his home."

The corruption in Anbar has extended beyond infrastructure projects, even infiltrating the Martyrs' Institution, where salaries are allegedly being paid to undeserving individuals. Meanwhile, thousands of families in Fallujah remain homeless, their homes destroyed and their futures uncertain.

The collapsed bridge in Fallujah has become a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted corruption that continues to hinder progress in Anbar province, leaving many to question when real accountability and reform will finally take hold.

 

 

Further reporting has been done by Kurdistan24's correspondent in Anbar Mohammed al-Dulaimi