Sulaimani Dam Relaunched: KRG Triples Capacity in Major Push for Regional Water Security

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant move to bolster the Kurdistan Region’s long-term water security, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has officially approved the resumption of construction on the Chaq Chaq 2 Dam in Sulaimani province. The project, a cornerstone for the region's water management, has been strategically redesigned to triple its storage capacity, reflecting the Ninth Cabinet's determined and far-reaching vision to secure vital water sources, enhance infrastructure resilience, and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

The revival of the Chaq Chaq 2 Dam, previously halted due to a financial crisis, marks a pivotal moment in the KRG’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen its capacity to manage surface water resources.

This initiative is not an isolated development but rather a tangible manifestation of a comprehensive policy that has seen the construction of numerous dams and ponds across the Kurdistan Region, systematically fortifying its defenses against drought and water scarcity.

Located in the village of Chaq Chaq, the dam project is now advancing with a significantly expanded scope.

Rahman Khani, the Director General of Dams of the Kurdistan Region, confirmed to Kurdistan24's correspondent Hawzheen Jamal that the project underwent a thorough redesign to maximize its potential. "The new design increases the dam's height by 10 meters, elevating its total water storage capacity from three million cubic meters to a substantial nine million cubic meters," Khani said.

This strategic enhancement was deemed necessary to accommodate the abundant water flow from the Chaq Chaq stream, ensuring that a greater volume of this precious resource can be captured and utilized effectively.

The construction will adhere to rigorous international standards, utilizing concrete to ensure durability and longevity.

Once completed, the dam is expected to impound water over a surface area of one square kilometer, fed by a catchment area spanning eighty-nine square kilometers that relies on rainwater. This infrastructure will serve as a critical reservoir for the region, transforming seasonal rainfall into a reliable, year-round asset.

Awat Anwar, the Director of Dams in Sulaimani, detailed the multifaceted benefits the project is projected to deliver upon its completion within the next two years. The dam is expected to create a cascade of positive impacts, touching upon economic, environmental, and social sectors. It will provide suitable opportunities for the development of fish farming, bolstering local food security and creating new economic avenues.

Furthermore, the dam is poised to revitalize the local tourism sector, transforming the area into an attractive destination.

From an environmental perspective, the dam will play a crucial role in maintaining water flow in the Qliasan stream, keeping it wet throughout the year. This sustained flow is considered of great benefit to the local ecosystem and any future environmental or agricultural projects planned for the area.

Perhaps most critically, the Chaq Chaq 2 Dam will significantly contribute to providing a stable supply of drinking water for the citizens of Sulaimani, addressing one of the most fundamental needs of the growing urban population.

The reconstruction is viewed as a strategic project that will not only revive essential water infrastructure but also inject new vitality into the economic and environmental fabric of the province.

This focused effort in Sulaimani is part of a coordinated local strategy.

Concurrently with the work on Chaq Chaq 2, the Chaq Chaq 1 Dam in the Sarchnar area has also undergone redesign work, with most of its construction already completed.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources' plan, the two dams will operate in tandem, providing a combined water storage capacity of 11 million cubic meters, a significant boost for the Sulaimani governorate.

The Chaq Chaq 2 project is a powerful emblem of the Ninth Cabinet's broader, unwavering commitment to water security, a policy articulated under the motto "Stronger Kurdistan."

A recent announcement from the KRG’s Department of Media and Information underscored this continuous effort, revealing that during the Ninth Cabinet's tenure, eight new dams have been constructed, which can collectively store more than 250 million cubic meters of water. In addition to these large-scale projects, 23 ponds have been built, and another 58 are currently under construction, further expanding the Region's water retention capabilities.

These achievements have cumulatively increased the Kurdistan Region’s total water storage capacity to an impressive 10 billion cubic meters. Dr. Karwan Sabah Hawrami, Director General of Water Resources for the Kurdistan Region, emphasized that the Ninth Cabinet prioritized essential infrastructure, with a particular focus on water collection through dams and ponds.

"A large number of ponds and dams have been completed, and the impact of these projects will be seen in the coming years," Dr. Hawrami stated, highlighting the long-term strategic thinking behind the government's investments.

This sweeping infrastructure initiative has been implemented across all provinces despite financial and political adversity. Major dams completed under the Ninth Cabinet include the Gomaspan Dam in Erbil, the Region's third-largest with a capacity of 97 million cubic meters, and the Dwin Dam, also in Erbil, which is currently under construction and will hold 100 million cubic meters.

Other key projects include the Khans Dam in Duhok (7 million m³), the Dedwana Dam in Darbandikhan (21 million m³), and the Pastura Dam in Erbil (20 million m³), among several others. These projects are designed not only for water storage but also for irrigation, groundwater replenishment, tourism, and even electricity generation.

The strategy extends to the local level with the widespread construction of ponds, aimed at alleviating pressure on groundwater resources, mitigating flood risks, and supporting rural livelihoods.

A prime example is the nearly complete Zerwaw pond in Erbil's Darashakran district, which is set to significantly enhance water availability for 65 households, reducing their dependency on water wells. Muhammad Khurshid, the village chief, noted that the pond will "greatly benefit farmers and improve agricultural irrigation." This initiative is part of a plan to construct 45 ponds across Erbil province alone, demonstrating a granular approach to water management that empowers local communities.

The KRG has also pioneered innovative solutions, such as underground floodwater collection systems and the "Village Lake" initiative, which encourages and supports rural residents in building their own small, private lakes. These efforts collectively build a multi-layered defense against the challenges posed by climate change and irregular rainfall, which have become major global concerns.

By investing heavily in strategic water projects that utilize surface water, the Kurdistan Regional Government is proactively working to mitigate these effects and build a more resilient and self-sufficient future.

The resumption of work on the Chaq Chaq 2 Dam is, therefore, more than just the revival of a single construction project. It is a clear signal of the KRG's sustained dedication to a future where water is a secure, well-managed resource that fuels economic growth, supports environmental health, and sustains the well-being of its citizens for decades to come.