Residents of village in Al-Muthanna protest over lack of potable water, basic services

AL-MUTHANNA — Residents of Al-Atshan villages in the Al-Mamlaha area west of Samawah staged a protest Thursday, blocking the main road connecting investment plants to the city center and halting truck traffic. The demonstrators called for essential services, especially access to clean drinking water, after being forced to rely on the salty waters of the Atshan River.

“These people standing here are doing so for the simplest, most basic things—water, electricity, and a paved road,” said Hadi Farhan, a local resident, speaking to 964media. “These are our basic rights. Just nearby, other areas have these services—we have nothing. For example, the utility poles haven’t been replaced since the 1980s. We’re not here to harm anyone—those passing through have their own work too. We just want our voices to be heard.. That’s why we blocked the road, which is a lifeline for the governorate.”

Rahim Kadhim, another resident, said the villagers have been left without drinkable water. “We need a water pipeline. We’ve raised our voices many times, but nothing has been done. All we ask for is water for our village.”

Ahmed Bohan added, “The salty water is not fit for drinking. We’re forced to drink and wash using the Atshan River, and the water is completely salty. On top of that, the river is receding, which is causing bacterial contamination.”

The protest is one of several recently held across the governorate as local communities demand long-neglected services. On Jan. 14, protests broke out in Al-Qurna, Basra governorate, as residents demanded improved services and job opportunities, warning of escalating action if their grievances remained unaddressed.

On Feb. 1, dozens in Najaf’s Al-Nidaa neighborhood set tires ablaze in a late-night demonstration, demanding paved roads, steady water and power supplies, and better school conditions.

Days earlier, on Jan. 26, residents of Al-Mishkhab staged a nighttime protest calling for improved services and the resignation of the local council. Protesters proposed a referendum to remove council members and called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to intervene.