Stalls forced to close early
Bardarash market vendors struggle with lack of utilities
BARDARASH – Vendors at a local second-hand market in Duhok’s Bardarash district are facing significant challenges due to the lack of basic utilities such as electricity and water.
Despite paying monthly rents to the Bardarash municipality, these shopkeepers are struggling with the inadequate infrastructure, which forces them to close their shops early and endure the intense summer heat.
The market, which is home to more than 100 shops, was relocated from the town center to its current location three years ago. Since then, vendors have operated without essential services, complicating their daily operations and affecting their livelihoods.
Speaking to 964media, several shopkeepers described the hardships they face. One vendor noted the necessity of purchasing water daily to meet basic needs due to the absence of a municipal water supply.
Sirwan Hassan, the mayor of Bardarash, told 964media that the provision of electricity and water falls outside the municipality’s jurisdiction. “Although we have repeatedly requested assistance from the Bardarash electricity and water departments, our efforts have been unsuccessful,” Hassan stated.
He also mentioned that budget allocations had prioritized essential streets, leaving the market area overlooked. “We are striving to find a solution,” Hassan added.
Arshad Mohammed, head of the Bardarash electricity department, expressed his department’s challenges in securing funding. “We submitted three projects to Duhok Governorate to supply electricity to the market, but five months ago, our proposal was rejected without funding,” Mohammed told 964media. He remains hopeful, stating, “If the budget is provided, we will supply electricity, or take urgent steps through the district administration to address it.”
Rebar Nazim, head of the Bardarash water department, attributed the lack of water to the hasty relocation of the market, which was done without proper planning. “We have continuously requested the municipality to address this issue,” Nazim said. “There is a high possibility that after the upcoming holiday, a meeting will be held to resolve these issues.”
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