Pond-by-Pond, KRG Rebuilds Water Resilience in Erbil

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A crucial water pond construction project in Zerwaw village within Erbil province’s Darashakran district is nearing completion, marking another significant step in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) broader strategy to strengthen regional water security and agricultural sustainability.

The Zerwaw pond, currently 95% complete, features a 72-meter-long and 15-meter-high barrier. Initiated at the end of 2023, the project aims to reduce dependency on the village's existing 20 water wells, currently serving 65 households.

Muhammad Khurshid, the village chief and a local farmer, highlighted the project's importance: "The construction of the pond will significantly enhance water availability, greatly benefiting farmers and improving agricultural irrigation."

Supervising engineer Zana Hussein explained that only minor technical aspects and the installation of the barrier gate remain, contingent on additional budget allocations. The pond is strategically designed to replenish groundwater reserves and provide essential water supplies for local livestock, contributing broadly to agricultural productivity and sustainability.

This initiative is part of the KRG's extensive water management plan, encompassing the construction of 45 ponds across Erbil province. Five of these ponds are complete, with others progressing through various stages.

These projects aim to alleviate pressures on groundwater resources, mitigate flood risks, support local agriculture, and enhance rural livelihoods.

Complementing the pond initiative, the KRG has actively pursued dam construction to bolster regional water security. Notably, the Gomaspan Dam, inaugurated in October 2024, is the largest in Erbil and the third-largest in Kurdistan, boasting a storage capacity of approximately 100 million cubic meters.

Designed to irrigate extensive agricultural land and support fish farming, it significantly contributes to food security and economic development.

Overall, the KRG has initiated 15 new dam projects, including nine strategic dams with reservoir capacities ranging from 1 million to 100 million cubic meters. Four of these dams, completed in May 2023, collectively store nearly 29 million cubic meters of water, underscoring the government’s commitment to proactive and sustainable water management.

The near completion of the Zerwaw pond symbolizes the KRG's ongoing efforts to secure water resources, enhance agricultural productivity, and foster environmental resilience throughout the Kurdistan Region.