Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - In a ceremony attended by Japanese new Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Fumio Iwai, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani inaugurated the 36 megawatt hydropower project near Deralok town in Duhok Governorate.

The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, within the framework of Japan’s loan to Iraq.

Earlier last week, Prime Minister Barzani met Ambassador Iwai in Erbil, where he reiterated that after the liberation of Iraq in 2003 the Government of Japan allocated seven billion dollars for reconstruction. He said the Kurdistan Region’s share had been preserved and

is being applied to Halabja water projects, an Erbil wastewater project, and the Deralok Dam project.

Prime Minister Barzani, in his inauguration speech, expressed his gratitude to JICA for funding and implementing the project. He mentioned that JICA provided $120 million in assistance to internally displaced persons, who sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani noted the importance of the Deralok project, saying it will produce clean energy and store water for irrigation purposes. He also said that during this time of severe financial constraints and intense security threats from the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, no dark and devil force, no matter how barbaric, can prevent the people of the Kurdistan Region from seeking progress and prosperity.

On the liberation of the town of Sinjar, Prime Minister Barzani said that, as a national duty, the Kurdistan Regional Government will prepare a comprehensive plan to rebuild Sinjar, although it will not be easy given the current financial situation.

He said the Kurdistan Region needs the assistance of the international community in general and the Government of Iraq in particular. He requested the Japanese Government to support the KRG in this important endeavour.