- Protests break out over power outages
- Protesters demand an end to persistent power cuts
- Iraq experiencing a surge in temperatures
Protesters beseeched the streets of Basra, Iraq, over persistent power outages as temperatures reach scorching levels in the southern provinces. Temperatures have reached high levels of 50 degrees Celsius, forcing authorities to consider shortening work hours.
”Electricity is a basic need. Its shortage is a violation of many human rights, including the right to health, safe housing, education and others”, Ali al-Bayati, a member of the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, said. Basra’s Governor Asaad al-Eidani, had last week, warned that he would isolate Basra’s power stations from the rest of Iraq unless the central government resolves the power crisis.
Between 2005 and 2020, Iraq spent about $75bn on investments and operational costs in the sector; however, power outages remain a challenge in the electricity supply.