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Iraq's 20,000 illiterate electric ministry employees is indicator of larger dysfunction - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Outcome reported
  • Iraq's electricity ministry is enrolling nearly 20,000 illiterate employees in a literacy program, highlighting systemic dysfunction.
  • The high number of illiterate workers in a critical infrastructure sector is seen as a symbol of decades of corruption and decay, partly influenced by Iran.
  • Iran's influence is evident in its efforts to control Iraq's energy sector and pressure Baghdad regarding oil exports and militias, contrasting with the Kurdistan Region's energy independence efforts.

Iraq is attempting to address a significant issue within its electricity ministry, where nearly 20,000 employees have been identified as illiterate. These workers are now being enrolled in an adult literacy program, a move that underscores deeper systemic dysfunctions within the country's key energy infrastructure sector.

The sheer number of illiterate employees in such a critical field raises questions about hiring practices and oversight over decades. Experts view this as a symptom of pervasive corruption and infrastructure decay, exacerbated by external influences, particularly Iran's role in the country. Iran has sought to maintain leverage over Iraq, partly through controlling its energy sector and influencing Baghdad's policies on oil exports and the handling of Iranian-backed militias.

This situation contrasts sharply with the relative energy stability seen in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region. The region has made strides in solving long-standing electrical problems through new energy investments, notably the Dana Gas project at the Khor Mor field. This field supplies a significant portion of the region's electricity, transforming areas from relying on generators to having consistent power.

Nearly 20,000 Iraqi electricity ministry employees illiterate.

— New ReportStating the core statistic that prompted the literacy program.

However, even the Kurdistan Region faces challenges, including Iranian-backed militias targeting the Khor Mor field, disrupting gas and electricity flow. Furthermore, disputes have arisen between Dana Gas, Crescent Petroleum, and the regional government regarding gas supply claims to the rest of Iraq.

The presence of potentially "ghost" employees among the illiterate workforce is also a concern. The Executive Agency's director of media and communications noted the joint program aims to teach 19,939 employees reading and writing, attributing the high number largely to contract worker hiring in recent years. This situation reflects a broader pattern of dysfunction where critical state institutions may be compromised by inefficiency, corruption, and external political pressures.

We have launched a joint program with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to teach 19,939 employees in Baghdad and other provinces.

— Haitham Munther, Director of Media and Communications at the Executive AgencyDetailing the scope of the literacy initiative.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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