Al-Mada, Iraq, Originally posted in Arabic on January 30
The Mosul dam, which was recently reclaimed from the Islamic State by Iraqi forces, is in danger of immediate collapse. If repairs are not soon made experts fear that the entire Tigris River and its downstream communities would be flooded.
The result would be the drowning of Iraq’s second largest city – Mosul – with over 60 feet of water.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis could be killed. In an act of despair, the government finally signed a deal last month with an Italian company to repair the decaying structure. However, repair works have still not begun. What is troubling is not only the slow pace at which this project is advancing, but also the misinformation provided to the public by the government and the American forces.
First, why is the lake behind the dam not dried up, in order to prevent flooding in case of a collapse?
Secondly, why is some water not released to the river, allowing it to reach Lake Tharthar, where it will not risk a single human being?
Thirdly, why is the dam treated with temporary fixes and remedies, instead of being renovated once and for all? Why do Iraqis have to live in a constant fear of its collapse, instead of carrying out a crucial fix once and for all – regardless of the cost.
Fourth, if the American and Italian forces in Iraq are so concerned with the integrity of the structure, why are they not providing immediate financial assistance for its repair, given the fact that their forces are actively stationed around Mosul?
Fifth – and finally – why are we wasting time with this repair? Spring is just around the corner, and soon enough the melting snow will bring water flow to its peak. Why are we waiting for a crisis to occur before answers are provided?
Isn’t it time that this crisis be addressed with the same gravity it would have been treated with, had it taken place in the Western world? –Salam Sarhan