The construction of a vital water reservoir in Zarwaw village, located in the Darashakran district of Erbil province, is nearing completion. As part of a broader initiative involving the development of 45 ponds across the region, this particular project is reported to be 95% finalized. According to local residents, the reservoir will significantly enhance agricultural productivity and reduce dependency on groundwater resources.
Currently, the village relies on 20 groundwater wells to irrigate farmland and meet water needs. With a population consisting of 65 households, this equates to roughly one well per three households—highlighting the pressure on local aquifers. The new pond is expected to alleviate this strain by offering an alternative, more sustainable source of water.
The village headman, a local farmer managing 270 acres of land, emphasized the importance of the project in supporting the agricultural livelihoods of the community. Most of the residents are engaged in farming, and the additional water storage capacity will contribute to more consistent irrigation, particularly during dry seasons.
Initiated at the end of 2023, the pond features a dam structure measuring 72 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The supervising engineer reported that the remaining work consists mainly of technical refinements and the installation of barrier gates. These final touches are necessary before the project is officially completed and transferred to local authorities.
In addition to bolstering irrigation, the pond is designed to enhance groundwater recharge and provide a reliable water source for livestock. The total investment in the Zarwaw pond project exceeds 448 million Iraqi dinars, reflecting its strategic importance to the region’s water management and agricultural resilience.