Peregraf
Residents of Khalakan and the surrounding villages have completely blocked the Dukan-Ranya road at Kani Watman following the conclusion of their 72-hour ultimatum to government officials.
These residents, who have previously organized multiple protests to demand the completion of the road connecting Khalakan and Dukan, as well as a resolution to their electricity issues, have seen no response to their grievances.
According to the local populace, the main road in the area is riddled with potholes and other hazards, leading to daily traffic accidents. Furthermore, they experience frequent electricity shortages, often receiving power only from 5 PM to midnight or 1 AM.
In October, Dana Abdulkarim, the Reconstruction Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), announced that he had directed the contractor to recommence work on the project within a week. He assured the community that if funding for the project were not secured and work halted again, he would join them in protest.
Kamran Abdullah, the director of the Khalakan sub-district, informed the demonstrators that the contractor was expected to have completed the road by 2015 within a two-year timeframe, but ongoing financial and political challenges in the region have delayed progress.
Abdullah further criticized the contractor for their negligence, noting that only 45 percent of the road has been completed despite having received over 50 percent of the payment. He stated that starting Sunday, the implementing company would be summoned to resume work in accordance with the funds received, or face legal repercussions.