Erbil Governor: ‘Runaki’ Power Supply Project to Reach New Neighborhoods Next Week
In the same press briefing, the governor disclosed that 75% of the Rapid Water Distribution Project in Erbil has been completed.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Runaki electricity expansion project in Erbil will provide 24-hour power to all neighborhoods inside the 120-meter ring road starting next week, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw announced during a press conference on Thursday.
The Runaki initiative, launched to stabilize electricity delivery across the capital, marks a pivotal step in resolving infrastructure challenges that have long plagued Erbil’s inner neighborhoods. Governor Khoshnaw emphasized that the steady power supply will also help mitigate persistent water shortages in some affected areas.
Electricity to Resolve Water Issues
“Part of the water supply issue in several streets within the 120-meter zone was linked to inconsistent electricity,” the governor noted. “Now that 24-hour power is being delivered to those areas, the water problem will be addressed as well.”
Khoshnaw added that the synchronization of electricity and water supply has been a long-standing issue, particularly in neighborhoods relying on water pumped from municipal wells and stations that were affected by power outages.
75% of Erbil’s Rapid Water Distribution Project Completed
In the same press briefing, the governor disclosed that 75% of the Rapid Water Distribution Project in Erbil has been completed. The project’s first phase is designed to supply up to 10,000 cubic meters of clean water per day. According to Khoshnaw, the new water supply will reach significant portions of the city starting in early July 2025.
He noted that a contracted company is currently constructing an internal pipeline network and is expected to finish on schedule. The plan is to integrate this system with the Rapid Water Distribution Project and begin delivering and distributing water across Erbil by mid-summer.
Targeting Underserved Neighborhoods
Governor Khoshnaw confirmed that the water project will serve more than 70% of the neighborhoods that currently do not benefit from the Ifraz 1, 2, and 3 water supply systems project and still rely on groundwater.
He also stressed that the worsening drought conditions across the Kurdistan Region have significantly strained the region’s water infrastructure this year. However, the implementation of the Runaki electricity project will directly support the water pumping and distribution systems in the neighborhoods that depend on deep-well sources.
Sustainable Urban Planning Amid Climate Pressures
Erbil’s growing demand for electricity and water services has been exacerbated by population growth and climate challenges. KRG has prioritized infrastructural upgrades, particularly in energy and water sectors, to safeguard long-term urban sustainability.
The Runaki project is a cornerstone of this strategic plan, ensuring not just consistent electricity but also a ripple effect that bolsters critical public utilities and improves daily life for thousands of residents.
