Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 8, 2024 — In a major step toward addressing Erbil's ongoing water shortage, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for a crucial emergency water project today. The $480 million project is expected to solve Erbil’s water crisis, which has plagued the city for over three decades, and will be completed within 550 days.

In his address during the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the importance of the project for the region, noting that Erbil faces a recurring water shortage each summer. The problem, he said, has been exacerbated by the failure of a previous project by a foreign company, known as "Phase-4."

Despite economic challenges, Barzani assured that the government is committed to solving the crisis. “We have directed authorities to immediately begin work on this emergency project to provide water to citizens,” he said, acknowledging the difficulties faced by residents in various neighborhoods. He also criticized some groups for politicizing the issue.

The emergency project aims to provide long-term solutions to Erbil’s water shortage. The Prime Minister revealed that the government plans to pump water from the Great Zab River to Erbil, a move expected to ensure sufficient water supply for the next 30 years. He also announced a restructuring of the water distribution network to guarantee equitable access across all districts.

In addition to this, Barzani unveiled plans for a second project to transport water from the Little Zab River to Qushtapa and surrounding villages, which will help shut down hundreds of water wells and replenish groundwater reserves. He further called for swift action on a wastewater treatment initiative to preserve the environment and manage water resources for irrigation and cleaning purposes.

The Prime Minister also addressed the impact of climate change on the region’s water resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions, including the construction of dams and promoting responsible water use. He noted that water consumption in the Kurdistan Region exceeds global averages and urged educational institutions, civil society, and the media to help spread awareness about water conservation.

The local company "Heman Group" is responsible for executing the project, with Prime Minister Barzani personally overseeing its design and implementation. He expressed confidence that the project will be completed on schedule, providing a permanent solution to Erbil's water problems.

The project will deliver 480,000 cubic meters of treated water per day to neighborhoods across Erbil. Utilizing 200 kilometers of spiral pipes and 280 kilometers of acetylene pipes, the project will serve areas between the 120-meter and 150-meter streets, including Darato, Bnaslawa, Khoshnaw, Pirzin, Shawez, Baharka, Ankawa, and Sebiran. The project also aims to close over 1,000 water wells, protecting the region's groundwater.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that the project will be completed in record time, ensuring a reliable and clean water supply for Erbil's residents for decades to come.