PM Masrour Barzani lays foundation stone for infrastructure projects in Zakho

Once fully finished, the project is expected to facilitate trade between Kurdistan Region and Turkey.

Kurdistan 24 2022/09/27 12:43

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani lays the foundation stone for a number of infrastructure projects in Duhok province's Zakho Independent Administration, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: Islam Hero/Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan Zakho Projects Delal Bridge Krg Masrour Barzani

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a number of infrastructure projects in Zakho city.

The strategic dual roadway connecting Ibrahim Khalil border crossing with Turkey and Bachika village is part of the construction projects the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is undertaking in the city, Prime Minister Barzani said in his speech on Tuesday.

The crossing is the only official land border between Iraq and Turkey, through which a significant amount of trade is conducted annually.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (center) walking besides head of Zakho Independent Administration Guhdar Sheekhoo, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: Islam Hero/Kurdistan 24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (center) walking beside the head of Zakho Independent Administration Guhdar Sheekhoo, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: Islam Hero/Kurdistan 24)

Once fully finished, the project is expected to further facilitate trade between Kurdistan Region and Turkey.

Barzani also announced the construction of two new schools for the area, which was granted Independent Administration status last year by his government.

The administrative status delegates more authority to local officials in serving their constituents and cutting red tape.

A 1.7-kilometer-long dual roadway connecting Batifa subdistrict with Zakho is another road project the premier announced. Another 1.6-kilometer-long main street will be built to connect Hizawa with the Darkar subdistrict.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (center) during the laying-the-foundation ceremony of a number of projects in Duhok province's Zakho Independent Administration, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: Islam Hero/Kurdistan 24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (center) during the laying-the-foundation-stone ceremony for a number of projects in Duhok province's Zakho Independent Administration, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: Islam Hero/Kurdistan 24

Planned to be executed by a local company, the projects cost 26.5bn IQD (over $18 million).

Zakho’s ancient market will be renovated as part of the construction efforts, the official said.

Barzani praised the sacrifices the local people have made for the Kurdish struggle, vowing to continue providing services and support for the area as part of the government’s plan.

The government has been able to renovate a number of roads in a year in Zakho, accounting to be 30 percent of the damaged roads that required immediate attention, Barzani said.

I'm happy to return to beautiful Zakho a year after its inauguration as an independent administration to see the city’s resilient people and announce more investment. pic.twitter.com/IgL6X7mFUe
— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) September 27, 2022

The official later visited the under-reconstruction, $7.8-million-worth Delal Bridge project to survey its progress. The tourist project is designed to include a national museum, 30,000-meters green space, a bikeway, an esplanade, parking lots, and fixed benches.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister delivering his remarks at the laying-the-foundation-stone ceremony for a number of projects in Duhok province's Zakho Administration, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: KRG) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister delivering his remarks at the laying-the-foundation-stone ceremony for a number of projects in Duhok province's Zakho Independent Administration, Sept. 27, 2022. (Photo: KRG)