Kurdistan Region Advances Water Security: Dozens of Dams and Lakes Built Under Ninth Cabinet
Despite Iraq's economic pressures, Kurdistan has improved water infrastructure. Strategic projects boosted storage capacity, enhancing resilience to water stress, per the Region's Water Resources Director.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has implemented a sweeping water infrastructure initiative aimed at safeguarding the Region’s long-term water security, with the construction of dozens of dams and artificial lakes across Kurdistan.
As part of a broader vision under the motto “Stronger Kurdistan,” the government has prioritized projects to combat drought, secure clean water access, boost agricultural production, and protect livestock resources.
Dams Across All Provinces: A Strategic Response to Water Stress
The General Director of Water Resources in the Kurdistan Region, Dr. Karwan Sabah Hawrami, emphasized that the ninth cabinet placed water security high on its agenda, implementing vital and strategic projects despite financial and political adversity.
“The government approached this sector with an unwavering commitment,” Dr. Hawrami stated, “launching key infrastructure works in line with the national reform and service delivery program.”
Major dams completed include:
- Chomargeh Dam in Erbil with a storage capacity of 1.2 million m³, costing 4.4 billion IQD.
- Khans Dam in Sheikhan, Duhok with a capacity of 7 million m³, at 9.2 billion IQD.
- Dedwana Dam in Darbandikhan with 21 million m³, costing 26.6 billion IQD.
- Avqoban Dam in Shaqlawa, Erbil with 2.6 million m³, costing 8.1 billion IQD.
- Shoger Dam in Koya with 2 million m³, at 5.6 billion IQD.
- Tourjar Dam in Garmiyan with 2 million m³, costing 5.8 billion IQD.
- Gomaspan Dam in Erbil with a massive 97 million m³ capacity, at 95 billion IQD.
- Pastura Dam in Erbil with 20 million m³, costing 23 billion IQD.
- Dwin Dam, currently under construction in Erbil, will hold 100 million m³ with a projected cost of 88 billion IQD.
Artificial Lakes: Expanding Local Storage and Irrigation
Alongside dam construction, the KRG has initiated extensive efforts to develop artificial lakes. Projects include:
- Chalkarda Lake (Erbil)
- Pereysi Xwaro Lake (Halabja)
- Khadris Lake (Duhok)
- Sirqazl Lake (Garmiyan)
- Qadiana and Bani Maran Lakes (Erbil)
- Karitan Lake (2021)
A total of 58 additional lakes are either under construction or in the planning phase.
Innovative Projects and Community Engagement
For the first time in the history of successive KRG cabinets, new initiatives have been implemented, including underground floodwater collection systems equipped with advanced sensors to monitor and store rainfall and flash flood waters for later use.
Dr. Hawrami also highlighted the launch of the “Village Lake” initiative, a government-backed scheme encouraging rural residents to build small private lakes with direct support, contributing to localized water security and community development.
Building Resilience Despite Crisis
Despite severe economic pressures from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region has achieved a notable transformation in water infrastructure. The increase in strategic projects, Dr. Hawrami noted, has significantly enhanced storage capacity and solidified the Region’s ability to withstand climate-related water stress.
These achievements mark a major stride in Kurdistan’s journey toward sustainable development, self-sufficiency, and climate resilience.
