Erbil, Kurdistan Region - In a significant endeavor, the Kurdistan Region government has committed substantial resources to provide its citizens with access to clean drinking water. The government allocates a staggering 46 billion dinars per month to secure this essential resource, ensuring the well-being of its population. An impressive daily production and distribution of 2,784,606 cubic meters of safe drinking water to households highlights the region's dedication to water supply.

The Kurdistan Regional Government has made a deliberate shift towards reducing reliance on groundwater sources and optimizing the utilization of surface water, particularly from rivers. To this end, the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism has initiated 81 projects along riverbanks, ensuring the consistent delivery of clean water to residents of major cities and key regions.

Historically, a lack of well-planned scientific policies for water resource management led to heavy dependence on groundwater. Presently, 5,787 wells serve as a secondary source for drinking water supplies. However, concerns have arisen as the water levels in some of these wells have decreased. To address this challenge, the ninth regional government has introduced comprehensive scientific and practical plans, emphasizing the utilization of surface water sources as a strategic move to reduce reliance on groundwater.

Additionally, the government is taking immediate measures to address water scarcity in drought-affected areas and regions experiencing significant drops in groundwater levels. In these areas, where surface water-based projects are not accessible, residents receive their daily drinking water requirements through tanker truck deliveries.

Regarding the financial aspect of providing clean water to all cities and regions within the Kurdistan Region, the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism has released statistics revealing that the ninth government expends over 550 billion dinars annually to ensure a consistent supply of clean, potable water for various essential purposes.

Despite the financial constraints faced by the regional government, it remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver essential services to its citizens.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the Kurdistan Region is currently grappling with a financial crisis due to the federal government's failure to fulfill its constitutional and legal responsibilities in disbursing financial dues to the region, as outlined in the Federal Budget Law for the year 2023. This law was ratified by the federal parliament in June of the previous year.