Despite facing significant challenges, including COVID-19, a drop in oil prices, and the federal government's failure to allocate the region's financial entitlements, the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has prioritised water security.

The government has implemented a strategic plan to revive suspended water projects planned previously through the allocation of adequate funds.

There are 34 large, medium, and small dams in the Kurdistan Region. Of these, 23 have been completed, and 11 are under construction. Since 2019, six dams have been completed including Chamrga, Khans, Dewana, Turajar, Akwban, and Shawger.

Additionally, the Gomaspan and Bastura dams are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Once completed, they will, along with six dams mentioned earlier, have a combined discharge capacity exceeding 150 million cubic metres of water.

Dams are playing a crucial role in groundwater protection, tourism, agriculture, livestock, rural development, and the provision of drinking water.

The KRG's Department of Media and Information will release comprehensive data on these dams on the KRG’s website and social media platforms in the coming days.