As the rainy season approaches, the Erbil Water Authority has mobilized 12 teams to clean canals, drains, and streets across the city. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of flooding, a common problem during autumn and winter rains.
Over the years, heavy rains have often caused streets to flood, creating traffic problems and safety hazards for residents. To address this, the Water Authority and municipal teams have launched a proactive campaign to clear waterways and prevent water from accumulating in vulnerable areas.
Zardasht Abdulkhaleq Sarsam, Director of the Erbil Water Authority, said that the Kurdistan Regional Government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, allocated 2 billion Iraqi dinars for this seasonal effort. The funding allows teams to remove debris, clean key drainage channels, and repair damaged infrastructure in multiple neighborhoods.
In addition to local efforts, several specialized pumps have been imported from Turkey, which will be deployed over the next four to five days to help manage water levels in critical areas.
Sarsam emphasized that the focus is on streets and canals that are historically prone to flooding, including Saydawa Street, 100-Meter Street, New Erbil Street, Tiarawa Street, and several other high-risk locations. Through these coordinated projects, authorities aim to minimize disruptions, protect property, and ensure safer and smoother transportation during the upcoming rainy season.
This annual campaign represents a key step toward improving urban resilience and preparing Erbil for the challenges of seasonal rainfall.