Diwaniyah residents protest stalled sewer and road project, demand action from local officials

DIWANIYAH — Residents of Al-Jami’a neighborhood in Diwaniyah blocked the road connecting their area to Babil province in protest of delays in a sewer construction and road paving project led by the “Spanish company.” The stalled project has caused widespread disruptions, including the closure of schools for a week due to safety concerns surrounding open excavation sites, according to local sources.

“We’re extremely frustrated. The delays have even affected our children’s education,” Haidar Falah, a local protester, told 964media. “School was postponed for a week because of the excavation pits. We fear for our kids falling into the manholes.” Falah also pointed out that streets near the schools remain incomplete. “There’s no real progress; it’s just empty promises between officials. We’re demanding the governor come here and speak to us. Does he not see the anger of the people? How long will he remain silent?”

Another protester, Nasser Abu Mohammed, criticized the performance of the contracting company. “The company lacks professionalism. There is no sewer or municipal engineer overseeing the work, and there’s no proper organization or accountability.”

Local officials acknowledged the issue, with Muhanad Al-Humaidawi, Director of Diwaniyah Sewers, citing a design flaw that affects a 360-meter stretch requiring urgent attention. “The main line passes through the beginning of Diwaniyah and crosses through Al-Jami’a neighborhood. If left as is, it will destroy the infrastructure there. The only solution is to reroute the line through the university bypass, which is only 360 meters longer, and to build a new station,” Al-Humaidawi said.