Haji Awa residents oppose proposed waste dumping plan by Raparin administration

RAPARIN — Residents and officials in Haji Awa, a subdistrict in Sulaymaniyah governorate under the Raparin autonomous administration, have voiced strong opposition to a reported plan to transport and dump waste within their local boundaries.

The backlash follows reports that Raparin authorities are considering a site near Mount Makok for temporary waste collection, due to the lack of a recycling plant or designated landfill. The proposal has not been formally approved.

“As a subdistrict administration and municipality, we oppose this idea,” Haji Awa Director Azwar Jaafar told 964media. “Until an official decision is made, we will not allow any garbage or waste to be dumped in our area.”

Jaafar said local dignitaries are expected to meet with him to formally express their rejection. “The Raperin administration is aware of our stance and the residents’ dissatisfaction. The idea will not be implemented,” he said.

The proposed location has reportedly been used informally for waste dumping over the past two decades. Refuse collected from various parts of the region has been buried in the area after accumulation.

Jaafar noted that Haji Awa lacks the infrastructure or resources to build a recycling facility independently. “We need the Raperin administration to handle this,” he said, adding that the designated site for a potential recycling project—known as Pashdararaq—faces its own logistical and administrative barriers. “It’s unlikely this will be built any time soon.”