PM Masrour Barzani launches emergency water project, vows to end Erbil's water woes

"Regrettably, some parties exploited these long-standing problems for political gain. Water shortages cannot be solved with a few tankers; projects like this are needed to bring water from the Great River to Erbil," the Premier underlined.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marked a significant step towards resolving Erbil's longstanding water shortage issue on Sunday, laying the foundation stone for an emergency water supply project.

He confidently stated that the $479 million initiative, to be completed within 550 days by Hemn Group, will completely address the province's water scarcity for the next three decades.

"One of the Most Vital Projects in Kurdistan"

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the critical importance of this project in securing water for Erbil’s future, particularly during the hot summer months.

“For years, Erbil has endured water shortages in the summer,” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani remarked. "A foreign company was originally contracted to execute the Efraz-4 project, but they failed to take practical steps to commence it.”

He explained that despite economic hardships and the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration took proactive measures to prioritize the project.

 

The Prime Minister acknowledged the frustration many Erbil residents have experienced due to water scarcity, and he noted that municipalities have worked tirelessly to address these challenges.

However, he emphasized that sustainable solutions, not temporary measures, are essential to addressing the crisis. “Water shortages cannot be solved with a few tankers; projects like this are needed to bring water from the Great Zab River to Erbil,” he stated.

Addressing Political Manipulation

Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged the attempts by certain parties to exploit the water crisis for political gain, stating, "Unfortunately, some parties tried to turn the decades-old problems and despair of the people into a tool of propaganda and political conflict. The water shortage problem cannot be solved with a few water tankers."

 

A Long-term Solution

The Erbil Emergency Water Supply Project, led by the local Hemn Group, is expected to provide a long-term solution to the city's water shortages. The project will ensure that Erbil has sufficient water for the next 30 years.

“I have also requested the reorganization of internal water networks in neighborhoods, so that water reaches all areas once this project is complete,” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani noted.

Beyond Erbil, the Prime Minister highlighted the launch of a second water project aimed at supplying water to Qushtapa and nearby villages from a local river. “These efforts will enable us to close hundreds of wells, revitalizing groundwater,” he added.

In addition to these initiatives, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for accelerated progress on the region's water recycling project, which will not only reduce environmental pollution but also conserve groundwater resources. The recycled water is intended for non-potable uses such as cleanliness and irrigation.

Comprehensive Water Management

The emergency project will bring substantial water from the Great Zab River to Erbil, ensuring ample supply for the foreseeable future. Alongside this, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to reorganize local water networks to guarantee efficient distribution across all neighborhoods.

Additional initiatives include a water project for Qoshtapa and nearby villages, utilizing water from the Little Zab River. The completion of these projects will enable the closure of hundreds of water wells, thus rejuvenating groundwater levels.

The Prime Minister also urged the swift implementation of water recycling projects to combat environmental pollution and create opportunities for green spaces.

 

Combating Climate Change and Promoting Water Conservation

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani underscored the impact of climate change on the region, which has further strained water resources. In response, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is constructing multiple dams of varying sizes to collect water, which will contribute to the development of agriculture and tourism.

“Protecting our water resources and environment is essential,” he said, calling on the education system, civil society, religious leaders, and the media to promote water conservation.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzanipointed out that water consumption in the Kurdistan Region currently exceeds international standards, further underlining the need for a culture of responsible water use.

Confidence in Local Expertise

The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the Hemn Group, the local contractor managing the project, praising their speed and quality of work. “I have met with them twice, following the project’s design and implementation closely. I am confident that this project will be completed on time and serve the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also highlighted the dedication of the Hemn Group in swiftly initiating the project, ensuring that Erbil residents will soon have reliable access to water and no longer suffer from seasonal shortages.

The project marks a significant milestone in the region’s effort to address water scarcity, providing hope for residents of Erbil and beyond.

“Thank you all once again,” PM Barzani concluded, “May you remain safe and healthy, and may Kurdistan continue to prosper.”

Full transcript of the Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's speech:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Esteemed audience, welcome.

I am delighted to be with you today to initiate one of Kurdistan's most crucial projects. For years, Erbil has endured water shortages in the summer. A foreign company was contracted to execute the Efraz-4 project, but they failed to take practical steps to commence it. Therefore, despite challenges posed by the pandemic and a difficult economic situation, I instructed relevant institutions to find a solution. Ultimately, I decided to prioritize this project to address the water scarcity in the capital.

I was acutely aware of the concerns of citizens in various Erbil neighborhoods facing water shortages. Provinces and municipalities worked hard to supply water to these areas. Regrettably, some parties exploited these long-standing problems for political gain. Water shortages cannot be solved with a few tankers; projects like this are needed to bring water from the Great River to Erbil.

This project will ensure Erbil has sufficient water for approximately 30 years. I have also requested the reorganization of internal water networks in neighborhoods, so that water reaches all areas once this project is complete.

Additionally, I have initiated another water project for Qushtapa and nearby villages, sourcing water from the small river. Completing these projects will enable us to close hundreds of wells, revitalizing groundwater. I have also urged the prompt start of the water recycling project, which will prevent environmental pollution and conserve groundwater, allowing the water to be used for cleanliness and greenery.

We are witnessing the effects of climate change in our region. To protect our water resources and environment, we are constructing several dams of varying sizes. We will continue these efforts to collect water, enabling us to develop agriculture and tourism. We must also cultivate a culture of water conservation. Unfortunately, per capita water consumption in the Kurdistan Region exceeds international standards. Therefore, the education system, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media must play a role in promoting responsible water use.

Ladies and gentlemen, this project is being implemented by a reputable local company (Hemn Group), whose work has been commendable in terms of speed and quality. I have met with them twice, following the project's design and implementation closely. I am confident that this project will be completed on time and serve the people of the Kurdistan Region.

Seeing the equipment here today, I am assured that Hemn Group has begun this project with exceptional dedication, so that we can address Erbil's water shortage as soon as possible. The people of Erbil will soon enjoy reliable water access and no longer worry about scarcity.

Thank you all once again. May you remain safe and healthy, and may our Kurdistan continue to prosper.