Erbil's 'Pathway of Life' Project Advances as Waterway Takes Shape

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Construction is advancing on Erbil's Pathway of Life project, with new aerial photographs showing an extended concrete waterway taking shape along a drainage corridor that authorities plan to transform into a landscaped public space.

Photographs captured by Kurdistan24's Eslam Hiro show sloping concrete walls and a paved channel floor across substantial sections of the site. The images also show work underway on a crossing over the watercourse, where scaffolding, temporary supports and building materials indicate that construction remains incomplete.

The visible progress marks an important stage in a project intended to convert a neglected floodwater channel into a more functional drainage route surrounded by parks, walkways, cycling paths and areas for recreation and commerce. The photographs document progress on the waterway itself, rather than the completion of the wider development.

The channel runs beside a busy road and residential neighborhoods. Land adjoining the concrete structure has been cleared and graded, while wider aerial images show the route extending toward an existing stream.

Those views illustrate both the scale of the planned redevelopment and the amount of work remaining outside the channel.

Erbil Governorate confirmed on Oct. 22 that work was continuing on the first section.

Earlier in October, local reporting indicated that contractors had reached the concrete-pouring stage on an initial one-kilometer stretch. 

Known as "Rêrrewî Jiyan", or Pathway of Life, the scheme is designed to extend more than 25 kilometers through parts of Erbil.

Officials envisage a continuous corridor combining water management with public green spaces and visitor facilities, replacing an area that had previously been used for the disposal of waste and polluted water.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the project's foundation stone on Nov. 5, 2025. At the ceremony, he connected its development with the government's stated priorities of improving environmental conditions, public health and the city's attractiveness to visitors.

"This project will have a multi-dimensional impact on Erbil's growth and progress, particularly in the tourism sector," Prime Minister Barzani said during the launch.

The Prime Minister described the condition of the original corridor as a reason for undertaking the work. Once used to carry floodwater, sections of the area had deteriorated into places where waste and contaminated water accumulated, according to his remarks.

He said the redevelopment was intended to improve daily life for people living nearby as well as residents across the city.

"We decided to implement this important project to fundamentally transform the lives of residents in this neighborhood and across Erbil, turning the area into one of the city's most attractive and vibrant destinations," he said.

Read More: Kurdistan PM Barzani Lays Foundation Stone for 'Rerawy Zhiyan' Project in Erbil

Plans presented at the foundation-stone ceremony included clean water channels, landscaped parks, shops, cafes and public recreation areas. Walking and cycling routes are also part of the larger design. These facilities remain planned elements of the development and are not shown as completed in the latest photographs.

The Kurdistan Board of Investment subsequently provided more detail about the proposed scale and layout. Its chairman, Mohammed Shukri, said the design covered 101,600 square meters and featured three lakes and two circular water channels.

He described a pathway measuring between 15 and 25 meters in width and reaching a depth of five meters.

According to Shukri, local engineers prepared the design with Italian consultants. The planned route begins in the Shaways and Sebardan neighborhoods, extends toward the main Kirkuk road and continues in the direction of Makhmur road.

Commercial and tourism facilities are proposed along both sides of the corridor.

Shukri linked the project to the ninth cabinet's broader investment and tourism strategy.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Nov. 5, 2025, he said 733 investment and tourism projects had been launched during the cabinet's tenure, many involving private-sector participation. He also identified Erbil's Green Belt as another major initiative to expand urban greenery.

"Private enterprises are key partners of the government in our economic strategy," Shukri said.

Read More: KRG Investment Board: KRG Launched 733 Investment and Tourism Projects Under Ninth Cabinet

The proposed benefits of Pathway of Life therefore extend beyond the appearance of the watercourse.

Authorities expect the work to improve drainage, rehabilitate land affected by waste disposal, create places where residents can spend time outdoors and encourage business activity around the finished route.

They have also said construction and eventual operations should provide employment opportunities, especially for young people.

At the launch, Prime Minister Barzani argued that development should reach different neighborhoods rather than concentrate in selected parts of Erbil. He also said public cooperation would be necessary to protect investments in the environment.

"The government can build projects, but environmental protection is everyone's duty. Together, we can make our Kurdistan more beautiful and prosperous," he said.

For now, the new aerial views show the drainage corridor being reshaped, with substantial concrete work in place and a crossing still under construction. The plans envisage further engineering work, landscaping and public facilities to turn the channel into a recreational and commercial destination for Erbil residents and visitors.