'Second-class citizens'
Following Duhok floods, Langa market shopkeepers in Erbil demand compensation
ERBIL – Many shopkeepers from Erbil’s Langa second-hand market blocked 100 Meter Street today, protesting for compensation for losses suffered during a massive fire nearly a month ago.
Shopkeepers are insistent on receiving compensation. One of them expressed to 964media a “sense of disparity,” noting, “Compensation was provided to those affected by the floods in Duhok, but our pleas remain unheard.”
Another shopkeeper shared, “No one has responded to our requests yet. Initially, there was engagement; they requested pictures of our shops before and after the fire, leaving us feeling abandoned as no compensation has been issued. We haven’t even been able to repair our premises and have been out of business for almost a month.”
He also pointed out, “Compensating flood victims in Duhok is rightful, and they deserve it as their homes were destroyed. However, those affected by the Langa Market fire in Erbil also rightfully deserve compensation. Where is Erbil in this? Who owns Erbil?”
He added, “Relevant authorities initially showed up, promising compensation. Both the district commissioner and the governor visited, but no action has been taken so far.”
Another shopkeeper stated, “As a citizen of Erbil, I don’t seek a single penny from the government; I only pray to God for compensation. But I want to know, why is it that the people of Duhok are compensated for the second time, yet Erbil receives no compensation? Is it because we are considered second-class citizens while they are first-class?”
On Feb. 27, 2024, Erbil’s Langa market was engulfed in flames, resulting in the destruction of 166 shops and damage to hundreds more.
That fire was the latest disaster to hit Langa Market, which has seen several fires over the years, the most severe in October 2018, when nearly 1,200 shops were reportedly destroyed.
Back then, shopkeepers expressed frustration at what they called a lack of concern from authorities. “The shopkeepers haven’t even received compensation for previous incidents, and now, we are faced with this disaster,” a watch seller operating in Langa for the past decade told 964media, estimating his losses at nearly $30,000.
“The fire [extinguishing] system failed, and the market’s security was lax. If the fire extinguishing system had worked, the damages wouldn’t have been this severe.”
On Thursday, 117 brand new apartments were distributed to those whose houses were destroyed due to the recent deadly flooding. In a ceremony, keys to these homes were handed over to the beneficiaries.
This distribution marks the first phase of a compensation plan announced by the Duhuk Governorate to aid flood victims.
According to the latest statistics from the Duhok Civil Defense Directorate, 627 individuals were accommodated in hotels and motels, and 160 houses were reported damaged. Additionally, the floods resulted in damage to 50 vehicles within the governorate.