Press Statement

In a documented audio statement, Mr. Hassan Sarhan, a leading figure in the Iraqi Istklal Assembly, explains that the Iranian side has for years used the Shatt al-Arab waterway as a navigational passage, which has led to increased pollution levels due to the dumping of waste—particularly industrial and factory waste—much of which contains hazardous chemical substances that are extremely difficult to remove through conventional water purification methods.

This pollution has had a direct and serious impact on the lives of citizens in Basra Governorate, exacerbating their ongoing suffering in obtaining safe and drinkable water, amid the absence of effective solutions by the competent authorities.

Mr. Sarhan further affirms in his statement that Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani played a negative role in obstructing the implementation of the seawater desalination project, which was funded through the British loan and was expected to represent a transformative step in addressing the water crisis in the province.

By releasing this statement, we place it before the public, relevant authorities, and international stakeholders, in a spirit of transparency and with the aim of opening the door for serious and responsible discussion regarding the priorities of the local administration in Basra and the federal government, and to reaffirm the right of the people of Basra to access clean and potable water—a fundamental human right that must not be neglected.

🔗To listen to the full statement by Mr. Hassan Sarhan: