Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The first phase of the Erbil Emergency Water Supply Project is set to be completed by July 15, 2025, with the overall project now 90% finished, senior officials announced on Tuesday.

Ari Ahmad, Director General of Water and Sewerage in the Kurdistan Region, confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the initial phase will serve Rashkin, Makhmour, Kirkuk, Koya Streets, and the new Mosul Road.

“The first phase alone will resolve 65% to 70% of Erbil’s current water shortages,” Ahmad stated. Beneficiary neighborhoods include:

32 Park, Turaq, Mamzawa, Sarkarez, Qatawi Bagh Minara
Zhyan, Roshnbiri, Farmanbaran, Hawkari, Birkoti Nwe
Penji Hasarok, Zilan, Altun, Hiran, Awena Shar, Zaytun, Daretu, Binaslawa, and Kasnazan

Second Phase Underway, Full Operation Expected in Three Months
Ahmad noted that the second phase has already begun, focusing on major pipelines, including:

Two pipelines of 1200mm diameter
Two pipelines of 1800mm diameter

“The entire project is expected to be fully operational within the next three months, providing both direct and indirect services to residents,” he added.

While the new system will be the primary water source, existing wells in Erbil will remain operational as backups.

“We have seven water reservoirs in Erbil, in addition to three main stations in Sebiran, storing over 120,000 cubic meters of water,” Ahmad said.

The project was inaugurated in August 2024 by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and has been rapidly implemented under the supervision of the KRG, with Hemn Group, a local engineering firm, handling construction.

Engineer Payam Hassan, a project supervisor, stated:
“We have reached the trial operation stage for treatment basins, pumps, and generators. Water is scheduled to reach Erbil this month.”

Hemen Othman, the project director, confirmed:

Line A is 98% complete and ready to pump 10,000 cubic meters of water per hour (matching the capacity of the ‘Afraz’ project).

Line B is expected to be finished in two months.

With Erbil’s population growing rapidly, the project is designed to provide sustainable water access for over 30 years, addressing chronic shortages that have affected the city for decades.