The governor of Wasit province, Mohammed al-Miyahi, resigned on July 19, 2023, following a tragic fire at a shopping mall in the town of Kut that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people. The fire, which occurred at a newly opened shopping center, has drawn significant public outrage and prompted calls for accountability regarding safety standards and building regulations.
In a statement regarding his resignation, al-Miyahi expressed that he stepped down “in honor of the blood of the martyrs” and to show loyalty to the victims and their families. The provincial council subsequently elected Hadi Majid Kazzar as the new governor. The decision was made amidst mounting pressure from the public and families of the victims, who demanded the governor’s dismissal and further investigation into those responsible for the tragedy.
An ongoing investigation has revealed that the shopping center lacked essential safety measures, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. According to the governor, the building’s owner did not implement required fire safety protocols and failed to obtain necessary permits. Legal complaints have already been filed against both the building owner and the shopping center operator.
The incident has highlighted longstanding issues related to administrative corruption and inadequate oversight in Iraq. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, had previously sent a request to Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani for al-Miyahi’s dismissal, leading to a Cabinet decision to refer the former governor for investigation.
Public sentiment has been fueled by a history of similar tragedies linked to poor building standards in Iraq. In July 2021, a fire at a hospital in Nasiriyah claimed between 60 to 92 lives, primarily due to the presence of flammable materials that are banned in the country. More recently, in 2023, a fire at a wedding hall in Hamdaniya resulted in over 100 fatalities after ceiling panels ignited during a pyrotechnic display.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are calling for justice and significant reforms to fire safety regulations in Iraq, hoping that such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The resignation of al-Miyahi marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about accountability and safety in the country’s public buildings.
