The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has placed significant emphasis on the tourism sector to diversify revenue sources. One of the key objectives has been to construct dams and ponds, which have become popular attractions for tourists who enjoy the scenic views.

In an interview, agricultural expert Salih Hussein told the Department of Media and Information that the construction of dams and ponds would create a cooler climate, restore natural water resources, and create job opportunities in the tourism sector. This sentiment has been reiterated by the local population, who have commended the KRG for the environmental impact of these dams and ponds.

In the Kurdistan Region there are currently 23 dams and 118 ponds, including those at Chamrga, Khans, Dewana, Turajar, Shawger, and Akwban. During the term of the ninth cabinet, 8 ponds have been completed, with 43 more planned for construction.

In 2023, over 7 million people visited these areas for tourism, and with the completion of new dams and ponds, the sector is expected to flourish.

In 2024, the Kurdistan Region managed to source 3 billion cubic metres of water, rising from 2 billion cubic metres in 2023.