Iraqi MP Demands Contract Termination With Iran Over Power Plant Delay

Iraqi parliamentarian Arshad al-Salihi is demanding termination of a contract with Iran's Sunir Company, citing a 12-year delay in Dibis power plant completion.

The Dibis power plant project in Kirkuk, initially contracted in 2011 with Iran Power and Water Equipment and Services Export Company (Sunir), has faced numerous setbacks and challenges, leading to a stagnation in progress.

During a recent visit to the site on Tuesday, al-Salihi witnessed the consequences of the delays, notably the installed equipment now at risk of erosion.

Addressing the situation, al-Salihi pinpointed various factors contributing to the protracted delay. He cited issues such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, inadequate planning, and political impasses as key hindrances.

There is an alarming electricity deficit in the region and soaring air temperatures, surpassing 50 degrees Celsius in certain parts of Iraq during the summer, have exacerbated the electricity shortage, leading to an increase in blackout hours and severe disruptions to daily life.

The situation is further compounded by Iran's own struggles with significant delays in their own electric power plant development. According to recent statistics from Iran's ministry of energy, the country has achieved only five percent of its electricity production growth targets this year. This has resulted in a substantial electricity deficit within Iran during the past years, particularly during the summer months.