PM Barzani promises improved public services as he lays foundation of key highway in Sulaimani

"The people of Sulaimani deserve more projects."

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, on Saturday reaffirmed his government's commitment to improving public services in the autonomous region, as he laid the foundation of a long-awaited highway in Sulaimani city.

The statement came during a ceremony in Sulaimani, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and a number of cabinet ministers as well as Sulaimani's provincial governor.

"Sulaimani's 100-meter street is one of the government's big and strategic projects," Barzani said, adding, "The people of Sulaimani deserve more projects."

"There's been talk about this project for a while, but we finally kept our promise. This will be a great achievement for the people of Sulaimani and others in the Kurdistan Region."

The 100-meter highway would circle Sulaimani city. It is a 146-km long road, which authorities project would be finished in three phases over three years. The new highway is expected to ease traffic inside the city.

"We in the government have paid attention to every place equally. After assuming office, we faced some crises which significantly hindered government projects. This project is a sign of our continued efforts, and we will not let any crisis or obstacle stop us. Our cabinet will provide services to everyone," the Kurdish Prime Minister stated.

The project was planned to begin 2013, but due to a financial crisis and, later, the fight against the so-called Islamic State, the government was unable to implement it.

Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani laid the cornerstone of key 100 meter highway in Sulaimani, July 11, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani laid the cornerstone of key 100 meter highway in Sulaimani, July 11, 2020. (Photo: KRG)

"We are a coalition government from different political parties, but we don't feel we come from different parties," Barzani noted. "This has helped us work together better. Neither me, nor the Deputy Prime Minister, nor do the ministers work based on political affiliation."

He thanked the people of the Kurdistan Region for their understanding and endurance as the government works to tackle a worsening coronavirus outbreak and financial crisis.

"The economic crisis, coronavirus pandemic, and falling oil prices have caused significant damage to most places in the world, including Kurdistan. This has affected the government's performance and forced us to adapt to it. We will continue to adapt. We have taken good steps and done good things. And the result is clear."

Barzani noted that some of the projects they are executing might not have been possible if the government did not carry out reforms.

"The reform process is ongoing and will not finish overnight."

The premier also spoke about the role of the private sector in developing the Kurdistan Region and tackling the crises: "The private sector will help us pass these crises earlier and will help create more job opportunities, too. This will also help us create better conditions for Kurdistan's economy."

"We will also continue to deliver strategic projects to the public."

The Prime Minister also thanked Sulaimani authorities for their services to the public.

He also reiterated that his government is committed to working to give greater autonomy to provincial authorities, as outlined in his stated cabinet agenda. "We have given them maximum authority and will give them more in the future."

Read More: Second province in Kurdistan calls for greater autonomy from KRG

Barzani also stressed the severity of the coronavirus threat and the need for all to abide by the health guidelines that limit transmission.

"I call on the public to comply with safety guidelines to protect your health and that of your loved ones in the Kurdistan Region. I call for the danger of this outbreak not to be politicized, and call on you to appreciate the hard work of healthcare professionals who put their lives at risk for you," he continued.

"I am certain that the government and the Kurdistan Region will be in a better and more promising situation and will have a stronger economy after this crisis."

So far, the Health Ministry in total has confirmed 9,201 coronavirus cases in the Kurdistan Region, 3,294 of which have recovered, and 312 have passed away due to complications related to the disease.

Editing by Khrush Najari