PM Masrour Barzani inaugurates Chamrga dam, emphasizes sustainable water management
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the Chamrga Dam in the Qushtapa district of Erbil province, highlighting the government's commitment to sustainable water resource management and environmental conservation.
After touring the dam, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the critical importance of using surface water and minimizing the exploitation of groundwater.
"It is very important to use surface water and not to use too much groundwater, because unfortunately, groundwater in the Kurdistan Region is decreasing at a dangerous rate," he stated.
The Prime Minister underscored that the ninth cabinet has prioritized the protection of water resources, focusing on building dams and ponds to manage water more effectively.
These structures not only support agricultural needs but also contribute to energy production, tourism, and flood risk reduction.
"Dams can absorb water for agricultural purposes and sometimes large dams are used for energy and electricity production," Prime Minister Barzani noted.
"They also enhance the area's aesthetic appeal, attracting tourists and providing recreational opportunities. Moreover, dams play a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding and land damage," he underscored.
He stressed the importance of conserving water and natural resources for future generations, saying, "Water and natural resources are not only ours but also those of future generations, so we must protect them."
According to the Prime Minister, the government's program includes initiatives to make optimal use of water resources.
The completion of the Chamrga Dam, along with other ongoing and completed dam projects, is part of a broader strategy to utilize water resources scientifically and sustainably.
The Chamrga Dam, constructed at a cost of 4.3 billion dinars from the KRG budget, was built with local expertise and in accordance with international standards. The dam stands 17.5 meters high, stretches 262 meters long, and has a crest width of 8 meters.
Prime Minister Barzani's inauguration of the Chamrga Dam marks a significant milestone in the KRG's efforts to safeguard water resources, support agricultural development, and enhance the region's resilience to environmental challenges.
Water scarcity in Iraq and beyond threatens agriculture, food security and stability.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) June 25, 2024
To tackle it, we are investing in dams across the Kurdistan Region.
The Chamrga dam stores over a million cubic meters of water for nearby farmers and communities. pic.twitter.com/AcNOED6lfw