Tensions are rising in Iraq’s political scene as lawmakers sound the alarm over infrastructure failures. On Tuesday, the Transport and Communications Committee strongly criticized Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s advisory team. Their main concern centers around exclusive project awards that bypass standard procedures and proper oversight.
Committee member Haitham al-Zarkani expressed strong frustration, accusing so-called “pseudo-advisors” of misleading Iraq. He said these unqualified individuals are actively shaping vital sectors and damaging national development efforts, particularly in transport and communications.
Since 2003, multiple calls for reforming the Prime Minister’s advisory team have been ignored. Al-Zarkani expressed disappointment that al-Sudani continues to disregard these warnings. Instead of addressing the issue, the Prime Minister appointed a transport advisor who, critics say, lacks basic industry experience.
This move, according to al-Zarkani, has created a shadow cabinet that operates behind the scenes. These unelected figures recommend contractors and approve exemptions. As a result, national projects now face higher risks and lower accountability.
Citing a recent tragedy, al-Zarkani pointed to the collapse of the Al-Atayshi bridge in Karbala. That incident killed two civilians and injured seven others. He warned that similar disasters could occur if the government continues to favor exclusive project awards.
The lawmaker further revealed disturbing details about the Karbala project. He claimed that the Prime Minister’s Office directly advised the provincial governor to assign the contract to a specific company. This move, he argued, sidestepped both Parliament and local oversight bodies.
He believes the executive branch is increasingly marginalizing the Transport and Communications Committee and the legislative branch. He also says top officials in Baghdad continue to sideline local governments through centralized decision-making.
Lawmakers now fear that the unchecked power of advisors could cripple Iraq’s infrastructure. Without reform, exclusive project awards will keep paving the way for repeated failures. Al-Zarkani urged immediate reforms, warning that continued negligence will push Iraq’s infrastructure closer to collapse.
