In the heart of Halabja province, Hanay Qul villagers demand solutions to two problems disrupting their daily lives. Located in the Khurmal subdistrict, the village has long struggled with poor infrastructure and severe water shortages.
Residents say their lives have become harder every day. The lack of a paved road has isolated the village, making transport and access to services extremely difficult. At the same time, clean water is nearly impossible to find. Because of these challenges, 18 families who rely on livestock have been forced to leave their lands.
Salam Ghafour, a member of the local village council, confirmed the seriousness of the situation. According to him, the plan to pave the road was approved. However, without funding, the work has yet to begin. He also addressed the water issue, explaining that although officials reviewed the problem, no drilling occurred. That’s because the project would require digging at least 300 meters deep.
Despite repeated requests, no progress has been made. Hanay Qul villagers demand solutions, not more delays. Salam Ghafour stressed that these problems are connected to daily survival and cannot wait any longer.
Meanwhile, Mariwan Ahmad, a project supervisor from the Water Directorate in Halabja, offered two possible fixes. First, the village council could formally request the formation of a special team. This team would survey the land and choose a spot to drill a new well—if the residents agree. Second, villagers could resubmit a request to draw water from the Zalm spring using a pipeline.
Both options remain open. But neither has moved forward, frustrating the villagers. Their lives continue under strain while they wait for officials to act.
Every day, the damage grows. The dirt road is nearly impassable during rainy seasons. Water scarcity forces families to buy or transport water from distant places. Some villagers have already given up hope and left. Others remain, holding on and hoping for change.
The people are not asking for luxuries. They want basic services—water to drink and a road to use. Hanay Qul villagers demand solutions, and they want real steps, not empty promises.
Without quick action, the village may face even more hardship. These issues affect health, safety, and economic survival. It’s time for local and regional leaders to step in and respond.