Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met recently with Wasit’s new Governor, Hadi Al-Hamashi, and Provincial Council Chairman Ali Al-Shammari. During the meeting, Al-Sudani congratulated Al-Hamashi on his appointment. He also emphasized the need for strong cooperation between the federal government and local authorities.
TThe discussion quickly turned to the recent tragic fire in Kut. Consequently, the Prime Minister stressed accountability and the urgent need to support the families affected by the disaster. “Taking serious steps to implement safety measures in all government and commercial buildings is essential,” he said. “We must prevent similar incidents and protect citizens’ well-being.”
This deadly fire struck a shopping center in Kut, tragically claiming 61 lives. As a result, the tragedy sparked widespread public anger. Relatives of the victims immediately held nightly protests outside the governorate building. Over time, these protests grew into an open-ended sit-in on July 22. The demonstrators strongly demanded the dismissal and prosecution of responsible local officials.
The day after the protests escalated, Wasit Governor Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahy resigned from his post. This resignation, therefore, marked a significant political response to mounting public demands for justice.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s media office released a statement outlining the meeting. The statement said the Prime Minister congratulated Governor Al-Hamashi on assuming office. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between federal and local governments. Al-Sudani emphasized that this cooperation is vital to implementing development and service projects for citizens.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister discussed the fire’s impact on the community. He urged officials to ensure justice and provide compensation to the victims’ families. Al-Sudani reiterated the need to adopt strict safety measures across all public and commercial buildings in Wasit and beyond.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister stressed safety measures as a top priority. He made clear that protecting citizens and preventing future tragedies requires immediate action. The cooperation between different levels of government will be crucial to achieving these goals.
