Because of the catastrophic housing situation, it is reported that some of the residents have resorted to the shocking practice of selling their kidneys to rebuild their homes.
Iran’s Ilna news agency interviewed Sarpol-e Zahab’s City Council Chairman on September 14th. He accused Hassan Rouhani’s administration of inaction, and suggested that this is the reason why some citizens are selling their kidneys. He said, “The mental situation of the citizens is very troubling.
Hygiene and sanitation are very inadequate, and the municipality hasn’t yet given us any money to do something. I wish the Ministry of Interior would say what services they’ve provided for a city like Sarpol-e Zahab.”
Irna news agency wrote about the housing situation on September 5th. “Earthquake-stricken [families] with sick or elderly members or little children are more concerned, because if they don’t succeed in building their shelters, they have to spend a second cold winter in makeshift Conex houses and tents, not to mention the grueling summer heat they have to bear right now.”
Even though the situation is far from normalized, state agencies are leaving the area. Sarpol-e Zahab’s City Council Chairman said, “On arrival, many of the agencies which came to the area, put up banners in the city saying that they will stand together with the earthquake victims until the end. Unfortunately, many agencies didn’t stay in the area and declared that they want to leave.”
Iran’s Parliament news agency quoted an MP from Kermanshah as saying, “Arrangements were made to give villages 350-million- and cities 400-million-rial loans but unfortunately, it was never realized.”
An August 18th report by Mehr news agency told the story of a family in Sarpol-e Zahab. “She opens water on the soap that covers the 4-5-year-old boy’s face. The child’s body crumples under the sudden impact of the water’s cold temperature.”
This mother, who lost her two brothers in the earthquake, says, “I wash the kids in the toilet. We have one toilet for 40 people.” Referring to politicians and state affiliated celebrities, she says, “Some people come here and take photos with our miseries.” So far, she hasn’t seen any help from them.
Source: Mojahedin.org
