Government Approves Comprehensive Decisions: Nile Hyacinth Removal, Free Fuel for Generators Ensuring Extended Daily Operation

The Council of Ministers issued a package of decisions during its session held last Saturday evening, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi. These included enhanced directives for electricity service, approval to provide private generator owners with free fuel, and the endorsement of the draft law for the Federal Internal Oversight Authority, referring it to Parliament. In a statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office, it was confirmed that Al-Zaidi chaired the Council's seventh ordinary session on Saturday evening. Discussions centered on national developments and agenda items, leading to necessary decisions. The Prime Minister, at the session's outset, urged all relevant ministries and entities to significantly prioritize the electricity service, emphasizing prompt maintenance, repairs, and swift response to network issues, particularly during peak demand. The Council also stressed effective pollution control and preserving Tigris River purity from untreated pollutants. It approved tasking the Ministry of Migration and Displaced with removing Nile hyacinth and addressing drought impacts in internally displaced areas, where water scarcity and dried tributaries have made agriculture impossible. The statement further indicated the Council's decision to suspend official work in all government institutions on Thursday, June 25th. This holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali bin Abi Talib and his companions, coinciding with the tenth of Muharram. To bolster electricity supply, the Council approved providing private generator owners with free gas oil (kerosene) at 45 liters per 1 K.V.A for July and August. This is conditional on supplying citizens with at least 20 hours of electricity daily. The decision also covers 12 hours of daily generator supply, alternating with the national grid. Local governments are authorized to set fair ampere tariffs, with the Higher Coordination Authority for Provinces developing a monitoring mechanism in coordination with the Ministry of Electricity and National Security Service. Regarding public spending rationalization, the Council endorsed the Ministerial Council for Economy's recommendations on investment project contracts. These include: First, halting all investment contracts for ministries, non-ministerial bodies, and governorates. This covers change orders and components added without direct relation to the original project, if their increase exceeded the 25% limit. Second, for awarded or contracted projects not yet started, companies can either delay commencement until suitable funding is available, or commit not to claim dues until funding is secured. A direct amicable termination option, without compensation, is also provided, applicable to all state institution contracts. On the regulatory front, the Council approved the draft law for the Federal Internal Oversight Authority and decided to refer it to Parliament, based on constitutional provisions. The Council of Ministers also sanctioned the withdrawal of the fifth amendment draft law for Civil Aviation Law No. 148 of 1974 from Parliament, originally issued under Council Resolution No. 24836 of 2024.