Prime Minister Barzani Inspects Progress on Erbil's 'Pathway of Life' Project

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is inspecting ongoing construction of Erbil's "Pathway of Life" project, a major urban redevelopment initiative designed to transform a neglected drainage corridor into a landscaped public destination featuring waterways, parks and recreational facilities.

The inspection comes as construction advances on the project, which is intended to extend more than 25 kilometers through parts of the Kurdistan Region's capital, combining improvements to water management with expanded green spaces and public amenities.

Known in Kurdish as "Rêrrewî Jiyan," the development is among the KRG's initiatives aimed at improving Erbil's urban environment, supporting tourism and creating new spaces for residents.

Construction Progress and Project Design

Recent aerial photographs captured by Kurdistan24's Eslam Hiro show substantial progress on the project's concrete waterway, including sloping channel walls and a paved channel floor.

Construction has also been underway on a crossing over the watercourse, while adjoining areas have been cleared and prepared for further development.

Erbil Governorate confirmed on Oct. 22 that work was continuing on the first section, with contractors having reached the concrete-pouring stage on an initial one-kilometer stretch earlier that month.

According to previously announced plans, the project will include three lakes, two circular water channels, landscaped parks, walking and cycling paths, shops, cafes and recreational facilities.

Kurdistan Board of Investment Chairman Mohammed Shukri previously said the design covers 101,600 square meters and includes a pathway ranging between 15 and 25 meters in width and reaching five meters in depth.

The route is planned to begin in the Shaways and Sebardan neighborhoods, extending toward the main Kirkuk road and continuing in the direction of Makhmur road.

Environmental Protection and Urban Development

Prime Minister Barzani laid the foundation stone for the project on Nov. 5, 2025, emphasizing its importance for environmental protection, public health and tourism development.

At the launch ceremony, he said the project would transform an area previously affected by polluted water and waste accumulation into an attractive destination for residents and visitors.

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

The development is also intended to improve drainage, create employment opportunities and encourage commercial activity along the completed corridor.

Barzani has previously stressed that environmental protection requires cooperation between government institutions and citizens, alongside investment in infrastructure and public facilities.

The Prime Minister's latest inspection brings renewed attention to the ongoing construction of the project, whose planned recreational and commercial facilities have yet to be completed.