KRG’s ninth cabinet boosts water security with major dam projects, enhancing sustainability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Over the past four years, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), under the leadership of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has significantly increased the Kurdistan Region’s water storage capacity through the construction of dams.

This initiative marks a critical step toward sustainable development and strengthening the region’s water infrastructure, showcasing the KRG’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources and addressing long-term climate challenges.

The achievements in this sector reflect the KRG’s dedication to providing essential services to its citizens and strategically investing in the future by tackling water and climate-related issues.

Water security and resource management have been top priorities for the ninth cabinet, and the expansion of dam construction plays a key role in these efforts.

Key Dams Completed by the Ninth Government:

Chamrga Dam

Located in a strategic area, this dam enhances both water security and economic development. Built at a cost of 4.4 billion dinars, it holds 1.2 million cubic meters of water.

Khans Dam         

Located in Duhok, this project focuses on groundwater protection and improving irrigation systems. Constructed at a cost of 9.2 billion dinars, it has a storage capacity of 7 million cubic meters of water.

Dewana Dam

Built in the town of Darbandikhan, this strategic dam cost 26.6 billion dinars and has a storage capacity of 21 million cubic meters of water.

Aquban Dam

Serving multiple purposes, including groundwater conservation, tourism development, and flood prevention, this dam in Shaqlawa cost 8.1 billion dinars and stores 2.6 million cubic meters of water.

Shawger Dam

Located in Koya, this dam demonstrates the KRG’s ongoing efforts in water infrastructure, costing 5.6 billion dinars with a capacity of 2 million cubic meters of water.

Turajar Dam

Built in the independent administration of Garmian, the Turajar Dam, costing 5.8 billion dinars, has a storage capacity of 2 million cubic meters and focuses on groundwater protection and irrigation.

Gomespan Dam

A major project with a budget of 95 billion dinars, this dam conserves groundwater and promotes tourism and agriculture, with a storage capacity of 97 million cubic meters of water.

Bastora Dam

Located in Erbil Governorate, this nearly completed dam represents another vital addition to the region's water infrastructure, costing 23 billion dinars with a storage capacity of 20 million cubic meters.

Dwin Dam

Once completed, this dam will transform its location into a major tourist and economic hub, with a project cost of 88 billion dinars and a storage capacity of 100 million cubic meters of water.

Several dams are currently under construction in the region, aiming to increase water resources. These projects align with the objectives of the ninth government formation.

To support farmers and mitigate flooding, the ninth government in the Kurdistan Region initiated the construction of numerous water ponds, ranging from small to large. Key projects include:

- Chala Grdala: Established in 2022 in Erbil

- Prisi Khawaroo: Established in 2023 in Halabja

- Khards: Established in 2022 in Dohuk

- Sar Qizil: Established in 2022 in Qoratu, Garmian

- Qadiana: Established in 2023 in Erbil

- Banimaran: Established in 2023 in Erbil

- Karitan: Established in 2021 in Erbil

- Suli: Established in 2023 in Shaqlawa

Additionally, 43 water ponds are currently under construction in various cities and towns throughout the Kurdistan Region, with more expected to become operational soon.

These water projects serve multiple purposes, including:

- Increasing surface water

- Purifying groundwater

- Enhancing fish populations

- Promoting tourism

- Developing agriculture and livestock

- Addressing climate change

- Expanding green spaces

The KRG's ninth cabinet, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing water infrastructure and meeting the population's needs while protecting natural resources.

Through an integrated strategic approach, the government has effectively addressed climate challenges and promoted environmental and economic sustainability in the region.

These efforts exemplify responsible natural resource management and sustainable development and deserve recognition and support.

Strategic Vision for Water Security and Sustainability

The ongoing construction of additional dams is set to further boost water resources in the Kurdistan Region. These projects aim to increase surface water, purify groundwater, enrich fish stocks, and promote agriculture, tourism, and livestock.

Furthermore, they contribute to combating climate change and expanding green spaces, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental and economic sustainability.

The KRG’s ninth government, through an integrated strategic vision, has shown its ability to meet the population’s needs while protecting and managing natural resources.

These efforts stand as a model for rational resource management and sustainable development, positioning the region to better confront future climate challenges and ensure long-term prosperity.