The worsening electricity crisis in Iraq continues to burden most of the population, amid rising temperatures that have surpassed 50 degrees Celsius in some southern governorates.
There are fears that the crisis could lead to local conflicts between some governorates, given that some receive up to 20 hours of power, while others receive only about 10 at best.
In Dhi Qar, a number of residents threatened to cut off water from the Al-Bidaa canal and prevent it from reaching the Basra Governorate in the far south if they do not receive more hours of electricity. A video showed dozens of citizens holding signs that read: "Water for electricity."
The canal is a main channel for drinking water to Basra, flowing from the Tigris River through Dhi Qar. Cutting it off may lead to a humanitarian and service crisis for millions of Basra residents, who already suffer from water salinity and irregular supply to their homes.
An official source in Dhi Qar dismissed the citizens' ability to cut off the water supply. The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the protests reflect anger over deteriorating electricity services in the governorate, but it will not reach the stage of cutting off water or bartering it for electricity.
The source said the problem relates to the Al-Fuhoud and Al-Chibayish areas bordering Basra.
Al-Chibayish receives enough electricity from Basra, unlike the Al-Fuhoud, which receives around two hours for every four-hour cut from Dhi Qar, making the residents’ anger justified, added the source.
The official source said the crisis is not limited to Dhi Qar, but affects most of Iraq, especially the south.
Citizens in six governorates, including Baghdad, demonstrated a few days ago to protest the shortage of electricity.
In Wasit, which borders Dhi Qar, hundreds took to the streets over the past two days in protest against the power cuts.
The demonstrations led to clashes with police and anti-riot forces, who were forced to use water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, prompting criticism from MPs who demanded a probe into the unrest.
Energy officials and experts warned that the crisis will likely continue for years due to the stark disparity between demand and production capacity. The country's needs are estimated at around 60,000 megawatts, while current production does not exceed 25,000 megawatts.
