At a time when the water crisis is worsening in Basra Governorate, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani arrived in the governorate on an official visit, which raised widespread questions, especially about the long-awaited seawater desalination project, which represents the only hope for ending decades of suffering with salinity and drought. Basra, which is rich in oil and poor in water, has been suffering for years from a stifling water crisis. The high salinity of the Shatt al-Arab, the decline in the levels of the Tigris and Euphrates, as well as mismanagement and the absence of strategic projects, have made pure water a rare currency in most areas of the governorate. Government visits are repeated, and projects are announced, but the thirst continues, according to the words of a resident of the Shatt al-Arab district, who said: “We received the Sudanese, but with every government we receive a new crisis. We only want water.” In recent years, several proposals and plans have been put forward to establish a strategic seawater desalination project in Basra. The project, which is supposed to provide drinking water for about 5 million citizens, has remained locked in the drawers despite the promises. Although the current government announced a year ago its intention to transfer the project to investment companies or external financing, no clear implementation step has been recorded so far, which raises the ire of citizens, especially with the continuing pollution and increasing salinity in the water. Al-Sudani’s visit to Basra carried a dual character: a political message related to confirming his presence in light of the crisis facing the south, and a service message promoting government efforts to confront crises, but the questions raised among the people of the governorate have not changed: What is the fate of the seawater desalination project? Why were not sufficient budgets allocated to it despite its importance? Who is behind its postponement? Why has the implementing agency not been announced yet? In Basra Street, the introductory statements are no longer convincing, as the water situation in some areas has become catastrophic, amid the escalation of poisoning cases in the summer and the increasing reliance on purchasing potable water at high prices. Al-Sudani's visit came at the height of the water crisis, but there are no clear indications that the seawater desalination project will be activated soon, and between the magnifying climate challenges, the reluctance of local administrations, and the conflict of interests between ministries, the Basran people are still living in the hope of deferred promises, and a thirst that knows no season.