Residents in Sulaymaniyah's Penchwin district protest 24-hour electricity project

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Residents of Penchwin district in Sulaymaniyah province held widespread protests on Tuesday against the "Ronaki" project, which aims to provide 24-hour electricity through a direct subscriber connection system with new meter installations and a revised energy distribution network. Demonstrators blocked project crews from operating, closed several shops and markets, and halted the installation of electricity meters and grid connection work, according to a local correspondent. The protesters objected to authorities continuing the project without addressing their demands. Residents urged officials to suspend the rollout and review their grievances before work resumes. The "Ronaki" project is an energy supply initiative designed to deliver uninterrupted electricity through direct subscriber metering and a new distribution arrangement. Penchwin is located northeast of Sulaymaniyah city, near the Iranian border. No official response from local authorities was immediately available.