PM Barzani lays foundation stone for Dwin Dam, emphasizes preservation of heritage, environment
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dwin Dam in Erbil province on Monday, stressed the strategic importance of the dam's location and the meticulous design revisions aimed at protecting the region's historical monuments and maximizing water storage capacity.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is shown laying the foundation stone for the Dwin Dam in Erbil on Monday, marking a significant step forward in the region's water management and economic development.
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) September 16, 2024
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The Prime Minister also highlighted his commitment to environmental preservation.
He revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, along with other relevant ministries, to ensure proper sewage treatment around Shaqlawa, preventing any contamination of the Dwin dam's water.
"We have also instructed the relevant parties to restore the historic Dwin Castle and numerous other monuments in this region according to archaeological guidelines and procedures, preventing further deterioration," PM Barzani.
PM Barzani further stated that he has instructed the restoration of the historic Dwin Castle and several other regional monuments, adhering to archaeological guidelines to prevent further deterioration.
Addressing concerns of affected farmers, the Prime Minister assured that those whose lands will be submerged due to the dam's construction will receive fair compensation.
"We have decided to provide adequate compensation to our farmers whose lands will be flooded or otherwise impacted by the dam," PM Barzani.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed optimism that, upon completion, the Dwin Dam and the restoration of historical sites will transform the region into a prominent tourist destination, showcasing its natural beauty and archaeological treasures.
He also noted that the project's implementation has been entrusted to a local company with substantial experience in dam construction.
In closing, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani urged citizens to protect the environment and collaborate with the government to make Kurdistan's natural beauty a global attraction.
He reiterated that water is a key driver of prosperity and that further reconstruction and development remain central to the government's present and future agenda.
Our strategy is clear: build, protect and prosper.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) September 16, 2024
The Dwin Dam will store up to 100 million cubic meters of water.
The nearby historical sites, such as the ancient Dwin Castle, will also be protected. pic.twitter.com/NuvHDiakIo
You can read the full transcript of Prime Minister MNasrour Barzani’s address below:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Dear audience,
Today, we gather in this historic site next to the Dwin Castle, the monument of the Kurdish leader Salah ad-Din Ayyubi, to take an important and historic step for this region and lay the foundation stone of the Dwin Dam.
This location is ideal for water storage, and the project's design has been revised to ensure that it neither affects the historical monuments of this region nor hinders its ability to store more water.
I have requested the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, and other relevant ministries, to take necessary measures as soon as possible so that all sewage around Shaqlawa is filtered before entering this river, and no untreated sewage is discharged into the water of this dam. We have also instructed the relevant parties to restore the historic Dwin Castle and numerous other monuments in this region according to archaeological guidelines and procedures, preventing further deterioration.
As you are aware, this border region is rich in historical monuments from various periods. We have decided to provide adequate compensation to our farmers whose lands will be flooded or otherwise impacted by the dam.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the completion of this dam and the restoration and attention given to historical monuments, this region will become one of the most important tourist centers in terms of nature and archaeology. The dam will also have a significant impact on agriculture, fish resources, and raising groundwater levels.
The implementation of this project has been entrusted to a local company that has gained valuable experience in the field of dam construction. These local capabilities will facilitate the execution of our plans and programs. We will provide all kinds of facilities and assistance to such local companies to enrich their experience and enhance the quality of their work.
I would like to thank SENK Group and Mr. Abdullah for all their efforts in completing the Goma Span Dam. I hope they will be able to build the Dwin Dam soon, and it will serve all Kurdistan's citizens.
Our strategic water plan has a profound impact on the present and future of our country. Harvesting our rainwater and springs is one of our main measures to combat climate change and the consequences of drought. We will continue our plans, and we ask our citizens to protect the cleanliness of our environment and help us preserve this beautiful nature of the Kurdistan Region, making it a place that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Water is prosperity, and further reconstruction and development of Kurdistan is our current and future program. Thank you once again for your support of these projects. Congratulations to all Kurdistan citizens.
May you remain healthy, and may our Kurdistan remain prosperous.
Thank you very much.