Residents of Street 94 in Erbil’s Badrawa neighborhood are raising alarms over illegal garbage dumping. Frustrated by the mess, they are calling for urgent action to stop the worsening problem. The issue has grown into a serious concern affecting health, hygiene, and daily life in the area.
Locals say an open plot of land near their homes has turned into an unofficial dumping site. Trash and leftover waste are being thrown carelessly, creating foul odors and an ugly view. “People use it like a landfill,” said one resident. “It looks disgusting and smells awful.”
This kind of behavior, according to residents, is making the area hard to live in. They believe some individuals are ignoring public health for personal convenience. The dumping not only damages the environment but also brings pests and lowers the quality of life.
Zhyar Jalal, Director of Services at the Ministry of Municipalities, responded to the complaints. He acknowledged that some people are misusing the empty spaces. “There are people who don’t act responsibly,” Jalal said. “They treat these open lots like dump sites.”
Jalal added that city crews clean the area every morning. “We send a team daily to clean it properly,” he said. “We never leave waste behind. But soon after, the trash returns.”
He warned that anyone caught dumping trash again will face strict consequences. “We will seize their vehicle and issue a fine,” he confirmed. “Our goal is to keep the city clean, but we need the public’s help.”
Despite the daily cleaning efforts, the illegal dumping continues. Jalal emphasized that the public must do their part. “Without cooperation from residents, we’ll face the same problem again,” he said. He urged everyone to report violations and protect their shared spaces.
This situation exposes a larger issue facing Erbil. While services are working hard, public behavior remains a key obstacle. Clean neighborhoods require both strong systems and responsible citizens. The future of public cleanliness in Erbil depends on that balance.
As residents of Badrawa demand change, one message is clear: public cleanliness in danger should not be ignored. With more awareness, better enforcement, and stronger civic action, this challenge can still be overcome.