SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The mayor of Penjwen district on Friday resigned as civil pressure continues for service, electricity, and kerosene amid the severe cold weather of the area.
Since last Wednesday, the residents of Penjwen announced a general strike, taking streets against the lack of service, electricity, and the government’s failure to deliver kerosene.
Shops and markets have been closed, and a sit-in has been set up in the district’s town center, calling on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to meet their demands.
Penjwen’s mayor in a statement announced his resignation in a statement, apologizing to the public as the situation continues while the government has yet to have reactions to the ongoing situation.
“Unfortunately, for many years our authorities above us have failed to take a serious look at Penjwen district and provide the necessary budget and services, despite the fact that we have repeatedly conveyed the demands of Penjwen to them,” the mayor said.
The strike paralyzed traffic as the people of Penjwen blocked the entrance route of the district which also marks the final points of the Kurdistan Region’s territory, tying it with Iran, in pressure to fulfill their demands.
“For days, many of the citizens of my district have taken the streets demanding change for the better in the electricity situation, but we have not received any answer,” the mayor added.
Penjwen which lies in the eastern of Sulaimani province is known for its strategic location, which closely bordering with Iran and has Bashmakh international border Iraq-Iran border crossing.
It’s the coldest area during the winter where temperatures stand degrees below zero Celsius.
