PM Masrour Barzani launches $479 million emergency water project for Erbil

"This project will fully resolve the water shortage issue in Erbil Province," stated Ari Ahmad, Director General of Water and Sewerage of the Kurdistan Region.

An aerial view of the Erbil city. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
An aerial view of the Erbil city. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for the Erbil Emergency Water Supply Project, a major initiative to address the province's water shortage crisis.

The project, valued at $479 million and funded by the Kurdistan Regional Government, will be executed by Hemn Group and is expected to be completed within 550 days.

"This project will fully resolve the water shortage issue in Erbil Province," stated Ari Ahmed, Director General of Water and Sewerage of the Kurdistan Region.

The comprehensive project includes two water treatment plants, each capable of processing 20,000 cubic meters of water per hour, adhering to both Iraqi and World Health Organization standards.

"The project encompasses a water intake unit on the Great Zab River near Kewrgosk village, a treatment plant near Gainj village, and a water distribution station near Sebiran village," Ahmed elaborated.

Additionally, the project will feature 10 water reservoirs with a combined capacity of 200,000 cubic meters, along with 200 kilometers of spiral steel pipes and 280 kilometers of acetylene pipes of varying diameters.

The project will be powered by both national electricity and backup generators, ensuring a consistent water supply.

"The two stations within this project will each filter 20,000 cubic meters of water, providing a reliable source to neighborhoods between 120-meter and 150-meter streets, including Daratu, Bnaslawa, Kasnazan, Shawes, Pirzin, Baharka, Ankawa, and Sebiran," Ahmed confirmed.