KRG PM: Zakho tunnel project will benefit people of Kurdistan and Iraq

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Gali-Zakho Tunnel is an important step forward for the service of the people of Kurdistan, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Nechirvan Barzani said during a speech on Tuesday to mark the opening of the tunnel.

“I am thrilled today that we are gathered here again in Zakho so we can all witness another significant step forward in the service of our nation through this project which will benefit the entire Kurdistan Region as well as Iraq,” the Prime Minister said.

Barzani described the opening of the double-sided tunnel as “a great and strategic project to serve the people” of Kurdistan.

The 3,604-meter passage is located between the cities of Duhok and Zakho. According to the KRG prime minister, the government spent nearly $143 million on the project.

The Turkey-based Limak company helped complete the construction of the Gali-Zakho Tunnel and the Maan Group paved its roads.

“The importance of this project is that it was not an ordinary one,” Barzani stated. “The construction of this tunnel involved the collaboration of workers and companies from Turkey, Kurdistan, and Iraq.”

“I want to thank Limak who, despite the economic crisis and other problems in Kurdistan, had faith in this project and moved it forward,” the prime minister added.

“Limak’s trust in the KRG and our trust in Limak is such that we are hopeful that the work we completed today is the beginning of a strategic and lengthy relationship for the future.”

Barzani also thanked all those involved from the beginning of the project in 2003 and those involved today for their commitment and efforts.

Editing by John J. Catherine