Trash crisis in Tuz Khurmatu worsens amid staff, vehicle shortages

TUZ KHURMATU — Garbage has choked the streets and alleys of Tuz Khurmatu in Salah al-Din governorate for more than a month, prompting resident complaints and revealing a deepening waste crisis. Municipal officials say they lack sufficient workers and vehicles to clear the refuse.

“We constantly deal with environmental problems and dirty streets,” said Imad Abdullah, who lives in the Aqsu neighborhood. “Some people have gotten used to throwing their trash in the streets or near their homes. This has created a health hazard. We’re asking the authorities to fix this.”

Repeated attempts by 964media to contact Tuz Khurmatu Municipality Director Maray Rashid went unanswered.

Qasim Ali, a spokesperson for the district administration, told 964, “The main issue is the lack of workers and vehicles. There are only 25 workers, and they can’t cover every street. Some irresponsible residents even dump their household trash onto the streets using their cars.”

He added that the municipality has hired 30 young people on three-month contracts to work as cleaners. “They will start soon. This will help lighten the burden on the municipality and stop garbage from piling up like this.”

Residents have long voiced concerns about the scarcity of green spaces and public parks. Now, with overflowing trash throughout streets and neighborhoods, frustrations over basic services are on the rise.