Local authorities in the Duhok Governorate have officially completed and opened a major strategic road connecting Duhok city to the Semel district. The project strengthens transportation links and improves daily travel for residents and businesses.
The new highway stretches 2,400 meters and measures 60 meters in width. Authorities funded the project directly from the Duhok Governorate budget. The total cost reached 7 billion and 876 million Iraqi dinars. Officials say the road plays a key role in easing traffic between western Duhok and eastern Semel.
Engineers designed the Duhok–Semel strategic road to handle heavy vehicle flow. The route supports both residential movement and commercial transport. As a result, it improves access between two of the governorate’s busiest administrative areas.
Local residents welcomed the opening. Azad Suleiman said the road significantly shortens travel time between Duhok and Semel. He explained that drivers now reach their destinations faster and with fewer delays. Suleiman added that the project reflects the importance of modern infrastructure for daily life.
Another commuter, Salah Ahmed, praised the Kurdistan Regional Government for completing the project. He said the road has made travel easier between Kivla, Duhok, and Semel. According to Ahmed, the highway has turned these areas into a more connected transit corridor.
The road opening comes as part of a broader development push in the Duhok Governorate. Under the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government, authorities approved 1,340 service projects across the province. Official figures show that 85 percent of these projects are now fully operational and serving the public.
Deputy Governor Majid Said Salih confirmed that the government continues to advance development efforts. He said most approved projects are already in service, while others remain under construction. Some projects will take one to three years to complete due to their scale.
Data shows that municipalities received the largest share of projects, with 329 initiatives completed. The roads and bridges sector followed with 212 projects, including the Duhok–Semel strategic road. Authorities also completed about 200 health projects and built 64 new schools.
Officials stressed that reconstruction remains a top priority. They confirmed that work continues on all approved projects to ensure long-term development across the governorate.
