The KirkukNow page on Facebook has become a forum where citizens and public officials can openly discuss daily concerns and issues affecting residents.
The latest discussion followed the viral circulation of a KirkukNow investigative story revealing that nearly 400 service projects in Kirkuk Province have been suspended because contractors have not received approximately IQD 240 billion (over $150M) in payments owed to them.
The investigative story, published on July 3, prompted hundreds of comments from citizens, government officials, and public employees, many of whom debated who should bear responsibility for the stalled projects. Some commenters argued that the Kirkuk Provincial Council should play a greater role in resolving the crisis.
With approximately 320,000 followers, the KirkukNow Facebook page serves as an impartial platform for discussing matters of public interest, particularly in Iraq's disputed territories.
Discussion between Raad Salih, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, and writer Nada Sultan on the issue of Kirkuk's suspended contractor projects.
One of the central questions raised during the discussion was which current or former governors approved contracts for projects without ensuring that sufficient funding had been allocated. Others urged the federal government to release the necessary funds to allow the projects to continue.
"How can a project be awarded to a contractor without paying the initial advance?" asked Imad Mufti, one of the participants in the discussion. He argued that contractors are normally paid after each completed stage of a project and that government authorities should not award contracts without first securing the required budget.
Responding to the debate, Raad Salih, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, said the financial crisis extends far beyond Kirkuk.
"This suffocating crisis has affected all of Iraq. If it were only a problem in Kirkuk, one of the governors would have taken responsibility."
His comments referred to Mohammed Samaan, the current governor, as well as former governors Rebwar Taha and Rakan Saeed, all of whom have faced public scrutiny over the suspended projects.
It remains unclear which of the approximately 400 projects were contracted during the administrations of Rebwar Taha or Rakan Saeed. However, observers believe it is unlikely that many were approved during Mohammed Samaan's tenure, as he has served as governor for less than three months, while most of the suspended projects are already between 50 and 80 percent complete.
Writer and political observer Nada Sultan said responsibility for the missing funds should be clearly identified.
She argued that corruption remains widespread, alleging that project costs are often inflated to maximize profits rather than improve quality. The comments referenced ongoing anti-corruption efforts by the Iraqi government.
During the three days following publication of the investigation, 281 people participated in the online discussion.
Another follower of KirkukNow shares his opinion on the issue of contractors and Kirkuk's budget.
Some participants defended former governor Rebwar Taha, arguing that he faced severe budget constraints during his administration. Others noted that Rakan Saeed, who served as acting governor until October 2017, had access to larger budgets but worked within the circumstances at the time.
Kirkuk's current local administration, formed through an agreement among Kurdish, Arab, and Turkmen political parties, pledged to govern without ethnic or religious discrimination and to prioritize public services.
Abdullah Mirwais, chairman of the Provincial Council's Services Committee, told KirkukNow that the council supports the contractors' legitimate demands and has formally contacted Iraq's Ministry of Finance through the council chairman. He added that the issue would also be raised with the Prime Minister.
The suspension of hundreds of projects has affected road construction, schools, public buildings, and other essential infrastructure, creating significant difficulties for residents. Contractors have also warned that additional projects could be halted if payments remain outstanding.
"We want the projects that have already begun to be completed for the benefit of the citizens," Mirwais said. "We recognize that suspending these projects has created serious transportation and service problems."
Saad Taha Jibouri, also voiced his frustration.
"We elected them to work for us and improve our lives. They are not helping us, and no one is paying for these projects out of their own pockets."
