In a significant step toward revitalizing the war-torn Shingal (Sinjar) region, the Iraqi government has begun preparations for the al-Jazeera (Island) Irrigation Project, a landmark initiative aimed at irrigating one million acres of farmland and creating tens of thousands of job opportunities. The project, approved by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, marks the first strategic development of its kind in the area, which remains deeply scarred by the 2014 ISIS genocide against the Yazidi community.

Khalaf Shingali, the Iraqi PM’s advisor for Yazidi affairs, announced the project on Saturday, stating that it will significantly boost agricultural productivity and reduce unemployment in the Yazidi heartland. "This is the first strategic project of this kind in the [Shingal] area," Shingali told Rudaw. He emphasized that the project will support local farmers and provide much-needed economic opportunities for the region.

The al-Jazeera Irrigation Project will reroute water from the Badush Dam on the Tigris River to Shingal, Rabia, and Ba'aj in western Nineveh province. In addition to the irrigation initiative, Shingali revealed plans for a second water-related project: a drinking water treatment facility to address the region’s clean water needs.

Shingal, a district in northern Iraq, has faced immense challenges since the ISIS genocide in 2014, which resulted in the deaths of over 5,000 Yazidis and the displacement of thousands more. Although the region was liberated in late 2015, ongoing insecurity, political disputes, and a lack of reconstruction have hindered the return of displaced residents. Despite these obstacles, recent years have seen a concerted push for recovery and development.

The Iraqi government has taken steps to rebuild Shingal, including funding the construction of houses and promising to restore essential infrastructure while providing cash compensation to displaced families. In 2024, Prime Minister al-Sudani approved a series of development projects for the region, including the construction of two hospitals, a water management system, and a university.

The al-Jazeera Irrigation Project is expected to play a pivotal role in Shingal’s recovery, offering hope for economic stability and the return of displaced communities. By addressing both agricultural and employment needs, the initiative aims to lay the foundation for long-term growth and resilience in the Yazidi heartland.