Villagers in Shumali demand road paving as students and residents struggle with unpassable dirt route

BABIL — In Shumali, children from the village of Al-Bu Dalil greeted a visiting 964media reporter with a heartfelt plea: “We want paving!” Their cry underscores years of frustration over the dirt road that connects their village to neighboring areas, a 3.5-kilometer stretch serving over 12 villages in southern Babil province. Despite decades of appeals, the road remains unpaved.

The road is essential for residents in villages such as Ghafel, Talib Abais, Kitab Al-Badawi, Al-Khidhriya, Al-Bu Harmas, Al-Bu Hajar, Al-Bu Hamad, Al-Badail, Qawam Al-Askari, and Al-Basitiyat. It facilitates access to seven schools near Al-Khidhriya, including Al-Sharia, Al-Khadraa, Umm Al-Ward, Umm Qasr, Al-Tawba, Jaafar Al-Tayyar, and Fatima Bint Asad.

Every day, approximately 3,000 students navigate the dirt road on foot or in small trucks, enduring significant hardships, particularly during the rainy season.

Residents have been calling for improvements since before 2003. Local resident Khamis Al-Sultani told 964media, “This road is vital for 12 villages, particularly for students and transporting patients. In summer, the dust is suffocating, and in winter, it becomes impassable due to rain and floods. Despite years of appeals, successive administrators have taken no action.”

The challenges extend to education. Hussein Al-Zamili, principal of Al-Sharia School, explained, “The road connects several areas to Shumali’s center. Both students and teachers struggle to reach schools, especially during heavy rains, which often force school closures. We appeal to the governor and council members to address this issue urgently.”

Adel Al-Khaikani, Director of the Shumali Subdistrict, shared optimistic news, stating that paving plans are finally underway. “The Al-Bu Dalil Road is critical, connecting Shumali to Al-Madhatiya. It has been included in the 2025 service plans, and rehabilitation and paving will begin soon. This will resolve a significant issue affecting the residents of 12 villages.”