A senior official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) confirmed that Baghdad has not transferred any road project funds to the Kurdistan Region since 2014. This long-term lack of support has forced the KRG to take action on its own.
Since the formation of its ninth cabinet, the KRG has launched hundreds of infrastructure projects using its internal revenue. As a result, the government has managed to implement over 718 road projects without any assistance from Baghdad.
According to the KRG, these projects amount to more than 1 trillion Iraqi dinars. The funds have come directly from the Region’s own income sources. These include taxes, border customs, and other local revenues.
Moreover, the KRG emphasized that it could not wait for federal funds any longer. The delay from Baghdad, which stretches back more than a decade, has significantly affected the region’s transportation network.
Therefore, the KRG prioritized self-reliance and regional development. Officials said road projects were critical to connect cities, support trade, and improve daily life for residents.
Meanwhile, tensions between Erbil and Baghdad continue over budget disputes. The KRG has repeatedly urged Baghdad to fulfill its financial commitments, but no agreement has been reached.
This funding gap highlights the deep political and economic divisions between the two sides.