Prime Minister Masrour Barzani will soon inaugurate a major strategic project in Erbil province. The project, set to open by the end of this month, will benefit tens of thousands of residents across Qushtapa, Bastian, and nearby villages.
For years, these areas have faced severe water shortages. Last year, Qushtapa recorded one of the sharpest declines in groundwater levels across Kurdistan and Iraq, reaching depths of 700 meters. The Ninth Cabinet has prioritized solving this issue through the Qushtapa Water Project on the Little Zab River, which will bring lasting relief to the region.
According to Ari Ahmed, head of the Kurdistan Water and Sewerage Directorate, over 90% of the work has been completed. He stated that Prime Minister Barzani will officially open the project at the end of this month. Once operational, the first line will begin water delivery, ensuring stable supply for Qushtapa, Bastian, and over 70 nearby villages.
The system can deliver 3,000 cubic meters per hour and 72,000 cubic meters daily. Local demand stands at about 1,850 cubic meters per day, leaving a surplus of more than 1,000 cubic meters. The project will also shut down 200 old wells, ending chronic water shortages.