Al-Khalis residents protest failing services, threaten open-ended sit-in

DIYALA — Hundreds of residents in Al-Khalis district took to the streets on Sunday to protest what they described as the collapse of basic public services and years of stalled infrastructure projects, warning they would escalate to an open-ended sit-in if their demands continue to be ignored.

Demonstrators voiced frustration over chronic electricity outages, unreliable water networks, and unfulfilled contracts for key infrastructure, saying conditions have steadily worsened for more than 17 years.

“We, the people of Al-Khalis, came out to demand our rights,” protester Yasser Anmar told 964media. “Our share of electricity is taken, our streets are crumbling, and our water networks face repeated problems.”

Anmar criticized the company overseeing a long-delayed sewage project, saying its contract ended without any visible progress. “There’s been excavation in neighborhoods like Al-Zahra, Al-Junoud, and Shwikhirat, but the roads were never repaved,” he said.

Another protester, Ali Qais, described the district as “a ruin” due to the unfinished works and worsening conditions. “The sewage project has caused significant damage and taken a psychological toll on residents,” he said, urging officials to deliver “real and quick solutions.”

“There are no real services in Al-Khalis — no water, no electricity, not even paved roads,” added protester Hassan Aboud. “The situation is tragic and evokes pity.”

Aboud said residents are prepared to escalate if authorities fail to respond. “If our demands continue to be ignored, we will move to an escalatory step by holding an open sit-in until all our demands are met.”