Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the final phase of Erbil’s $200-million emergency water project. The initiative aims to solve the city’s water shortage for the next 30 years.
“This is the last phase of supplying water to Erbil. It will serve residents of Erbil and the entire Kurdistan Region,” Prime Minister Barzani said. He emphasized the project used advanced technologies to ensure water quality.
Therefore, the project relied fully on local manpower. A local company, Hemn Group, implemented all phases. Barzani said the facility was completed in record time.
The project will start supplying water to Erbil neighborhoods next month. It covers 40 districts, many of which previously depended on wells. Once operational, these wells will no longer be in use.
Additionally, launched along the Gwer-Erbil road, the Rapid Water Emergency Project recycles wastewater for irrigation and agriculture. The facility addresses chronic water shortages, especially in eastern districts of the city.
Moreover, Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw called the inauguration “one of the happiest days” of his life. He said the city’s biggest water problem has now been resolved.
Furthermore, KRG municipalities minister Sasan Auni noted that the project’s importance is “beyond description.” The initiative is a key local solution amid Iraq’s severe water crisis.
Iraq faces one of the worst water shortages in decades. The country uses over 80 percent of its available water and ranks among the world’s 25 most water-stressed nations. Large dams in Turkey, reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and mismanagement have worsened the situation.
Iraq depends heavily on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Turkish projects, including the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), have reduced water flows to less than 40 percent of historic levels.
Recently, Iraq and Turkey signed a Framework Water Cooperation Agreement. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said the agreement provides sustainable solutions and includes a package of major joint projects in the water sector.
Therefore, United States Special Envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, congratulated Baghdad and Ankara for the agreement. Officials hope the plan will resolve long-standing water management challenges between the two countries.
The $200-million Erbil project demonstrates the KRG’s ability to implement large-scale infrastructure using local resources. It promises reliable water supply for the city, supports agriculture, and improves residents’ quality of life.
