Burning tires fill air with black smoke
Dhi Qar protesters block university road over exclusion from service projects
DHI QAR — Dozens of protesters closed the main road to the University of Dhi Qar on Sunday morning, demonstrating against the exclusion of the Al-Sakhiyeen area north of Nasiriyah from public service projects. Local government officials say they are awaiting financial allocations to begin work in the area.
Eyewitnesses told 964media that protesters obstructed the road with burning tires, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and blocking trucks and vehicles that transport university staff and students.
The protesters are calling for the inclusion of the Al-Sakhiyeen area in paving, water, and electricity projects.
Salama Al-Sariheed, deputy governor of Dhi Qar for service affairs, explained to 964media, “The Al-Sakhiyeen area is listed among the regions covered by the service and engineering projects directed by the Prime Minister’s Office. The main hurdle in executing these projects is the pending release of financial allocations. At present, there are no contracts for these projects, as the companies involved cannot commence work without funding.”
Al-Sariheed added, “Once the financial allocations are released and the Ministry of Planning authorizes the start of projects in Dhi Qar Province, Al-Sakhiyeen will be among the areas to benefit from these service projects.”