'The river is practically dead'
Najaf district plans to relocate markets to curb Sawariyah River pollution
NAJAF — Authorities in Al-Mishkhab, located in Najaf Governorate, intend to relocate markets along the Sawariyah River to the opposite bank, citing serious environmental and health concerns. The river, which supplies more than 15,000 residents, has become heavily polluted with waste from poultry shops along its left bank, where shop owners dispose of slaughter remains directly into the water.
Residents and officials worry that this contamination could trigger diseases, especially cholera. Acting district administrator Iyad Al-Zurfi told 964media that “the Ministry of Water Resources has already begun cleaning the riverbanks,” and that health authorities are conducting field inspections to assess any health risks and compile a report.
According to Sahab Rashid, director of Al-Mishkhab Primary Health Care, local authorities have been monitoring pollution in areas including Aysar Al-Sawariyah and Al-Hassan village. “We regularly submit reports to the relevant authorities to take necessary action,” she told 964media, pointing to random slaughtering and dumping waste into rivers as major contributors to the crisis. She added, “The accumulation of waste and stagnant water can be a breeding ground for diseases. As a health institution, we are especially concerned about cholera, which is directly linked to water contamination.”
Rashid noted that health teams check chlorine levels every day, reporting any irregularities immediately to authorities. “In addition to water contamination, mosquito infestations in the area could lead to skin diseases,” she warned.
Local resident Haider Al-Kinani described the Sawariyah River as a vital source for thousands who rely on it for drinking, cooking, washing, and livestock farming. However, he said the pollution has turned it into a hazard instead of a resource. “The river is practically dead. Waste and stagnant water have made it hazardous, and people are suffering because of it,” he said. “There are no government-led cleaning efforts, no real solutions, and no serious attention from the authorities.”
Al-Zurfi called the riverbanks an “infested area” and said officials formed a committee of municipal, health, and other departments to monitor violations. “The shops must be relocated while ensuring business owners maintain their livelihoods. One proposal is to move these markets to the opposite side of the current market while cleaning and restoring the riverbanks to their original state,” he explained.
He added that water resources machinery has been deployed to clear the river, and local municipalities have been told to assist. “The current state of the river is unacceptable, especially since Al-Mishkhab serves as a gateway to several governorates,” he said.
Al-Zurfi also confirmed cooperation with veterinary services, the Al-Mishkhab Health Department, and the local hospital to conduct inspections. “There are suspicions that poultry waste could be linked to certain diseases. We are waiting for their report to coordinate with security authorities on the next steps,” he said.