Anbar Official Says Provincial Debt Has Surpassed IQD 650 Billion Amid Budget Delays
Anbar Provincial Council member Adnan al-Kubaisi has warned that the province is facing a severe financial crisis, revealing that Anbar’s treasury is effectively empty while accumulated debt has exceeded 650 billion Iraqi dinars, the highest level recorded in the province’s history.
Speaking on Saturday, al-Kubaisi said the debt consists largely of unpaid obligations to contractors and companies involved in reconstruction and development projects. He attributed the growing financial burden to the province’s failure to receive budget allocations for 2024, 2025, and 2026.
According to al-Kubaisi, the lack of funding has caused financial obligations to accumulate over several years, placing significant pressure on the provincial government and limiting its ability to continue development programs.
He explained that the mounting debts have led to a near-total slowdown in reconstruction and infrastructure projects across the province. Many contractors and companies have demanded payment of outstanding dues and have suspended work until their financial claims are settled.
The situation has affected efforts to rebuild infrastructure and public services, particularly in areas that suffered extensive damage during years of conflict and terrorist activity.
In response to the funding shortfall, al-Kubaisi said the local government has increasingly sought assistance from humanitarian and international organizations to help finance reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. These efforts aim to address damage left by terrorist operations and maintain essential development activities despite the lack of government funding.
However, he warned that if budget allocations continue to be delayed, many remaining projects could face indefinite suspension, further slowing Anbar’s recovery and development efforts.
The comments highlight the growing financial challenges facing local governments in Iraq as provincial authorities struggle to maintain reconstruction programs and meet obligations without regular budget transfers from the central government.
