Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq’s third-poorest province, continues to struggle with significant developmental challenges, affecting infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Mohammed Abdul Murshid Al-Ziyadi, the Director of Statistics in Al-Qadisiyah, shared that while the latest census did not provide specific population figures by province, al-Diwaniyah’s poverty rate dropped from 47.8% to 29%. However, the province still remains one of Iraq’s most impoverished regions, following Muthanna and Babil.
In healthcare, Al-Ziyadi emphasized the urgent need for more hospitals. Al-Diwaniyah currently has only five hospitals, but international standards suggest one hospital per 50,000 people. The city center’s facilities, which include a general hospital, a maternity and pediatric hospital, and the small ‘Al-Hussein Hospital,’ are insufficient for over 500,000 residents. Al-Ziyadi stated that at least three more hospitals are needed due to the rising population.
Regarding education, Al-Ziyadi pointed out ongoing school projects, including some built by Chinese companies. However, many projects remain unfinished. Al-Diwaniyah needs more schools, particularly in rural areas and high-density neighborhoods, although school enrollment remains high at 95%.
The province also faces major infrastructure challenges. Ahmed Al-Budairi, a Provincial Council member, highlighted long-delayed projects, such as the ‘Great al-Diwaniyah Sewerage Project.’ This project, initiated by Al-Rafidain Company in 2011, stalled until 2021. Despite an intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and a transfer of the project to Noor Al-Ufuq Company, progress has remained slow. A Spanish firm took over the project but faced scrutiny over material quality and delays. As a result, the government terminated the Spanish company’s contract, and the remaining neighborhoods are being reassigned to new companies.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of al-Diwaniyah’s economy, with 60% of the population engaged in farming. However, productivity suffers due to shortages of pesticides and fertilizers. Mohammed Al-Khazaai, Qaimaqam of Ghammas, shared that the province cultivates 55,000 dunams of wheat and barley and 45,000 dunams of rice, but these crops are impacted by these shortages.
Tourism also remains underdeveloped in the region. Ghammas alone holds 25 archaeological sites, including Sumer and Shukhair Castle. The Delmuj marshes, shared with Wasit and Dhi Qar, could also become a tourist attraction, but neglect and administrative hurdles persist.
Al-Khazaai stressed the need for administrative decentralization. Despite the governance structure allowing financial and administrative independence for local units, these rights have not been fully implemented in 22 years. A proposal to grant greater autonomy is nearing completion, and Al-Khazaai hopes it will lead to improved governance.