On Sunday, July 20, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the first phase of the Emergency Water Supply Project for Erbil. The launch ceremony, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, celebrated a major strategic achievement aimed at addressing one of the most pressing public service needs in the capital city.
Less than a year ago, we promised to solve Erbil's water shortage for the next 30 years with a $480 million investment. Today, we delivered on that promise.
Clean 24-hour water now flows to neighborhoods in Erbil in the first phase of the Emergency Water Project. pic.twitter.com/YRcjCwAjpE
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) July 20, 2025
During his remarks, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the urgency of tackling the water crisis, which has intensified in recent years due to climate change, reduced rainfall, overpopulation, and declining groundwater levels. He expressed gratitude to all institutions and stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project, particularly Heman Group—the Kurdish engineering company that designed and built the infrastructure using primarily local expertise and resources.
The Prime Minister explained that the project originated from a growing recognition of the seriousness of the water shortage in Erbil. He noted that despite previous efforts, earlier attempts to complete this project had stalled due to technical or administrative obstacles. Under his direction and with the commitment of Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw and relevant ministries, the project was revived and completed in less than a year.
Barzani highlighted that this is just the first phase of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable and equitable water access for all residents of Erbil. He announced that future phases will include the development of a comprehensive recycling and reuse system for wastewater, especially for use in public parks and green spaces. This initiative, he stated, would reduce pressure on groundwater resources and support environmental sustainability.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to use water responsibly and avoid waste. He stressed that while the government is committed to delivering essential services, public cooperation is crucial to their success. He described water conservation as a shared civic duty and asked the people of Erbil to treat this resource with care and awareness.
He also took the opportunity to thank the Municipality of Erbil, the local Department of Tourism, the Governorate, and his own office’s team for their coordination and oversight in making the project a reality. Their joint efforts, he said, demonstrate the KRG’s broader commitment to responsive, citizen-focused governance.
Barzani underscored that this water project is just one example of how the Kurdistan Regional Government is working to serve its people. He cited other recent accomplishments, such as the rollout of 24-hour electricity to over two million residents across Erbil, Slemani, and Duhok through the Runaki Program, and the government’s efforts to digitalize public services, improve road safety, expand banking services, and support internal security.
He reiterated that these initiatives are the result of coordinated work across multiple ministries, each fulfilling its duties with the aim of improving citizens’ daily lives. Barzani reminded the public that the KRG has always sought to provide services directly to the people of Kurdistan—whether in water, electricity, infrastructure, or agriculture—regardless of political challenges or financial constraints.
Prime Minister Barzani also addressed ongoing delays in the payment of public sector salaries, noting that the KRG continues to work in dialogue with the Federal Government in Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues. He reaffirmed that Kurdistan, as a federal entity, is entitled to its fair share of the national budget and called on all parties to respect the constitutional and financial rights of the Region.
He rejected narratives that blame the KRG for the salary delays and emphasized that such rhetoric only serves to distract from the real challenges facing the people. Despite obstacles, he said, the KRG will remain committed to negotiation, transparency, and delivering on its responsibilities.
The Emergency Water Supply Project is a reflection of the KRG’s determination to invest in long-term solutions, even in the face of crisis. Prime Minister Barzani expressed hope that with continued cooperation and support from the public, more projects like this will be launched and completed across the Kurdistan Region.
He concluded by thanking all those involved—particularly Heman Group—for their professionalism and dedication. He called on citizens to remain patient, united, and confident in the government’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
“Our mission,” he said, “is to serve the people. And with your support, we will continue to build a Kurdistan that is strong, secure, and sustainable.”
original article (in Kurdish)
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