The Kurdistan Region is moving quickly to replace thousands of private generators with a reliable 24-hour electricity supply. This bold move under the Runaki Project will shut down over 7,000 neighborhood generators, significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Authorities have already switched off 292 generators in Sulaimani province alone. That cut equals removing over 50,000 cars from the roads in terms of pollution. With less pollution, local doctors and environmental experts expect fewer diseases, especially cancer.
At Hiwa Hospital in Sulaimani, the number of cancer cases has reached alarming levels. In just six months of 2024, doctors diagnosed 2,681 new cancer patients, including many children. So far this year, a total of 3,310 people have registered with cancer. Dr. Yad Naqshbandi, head of Hiwa Hospital, stressed that poor air quality is a major factor.
Dr. Naqshbandi called for stricter environmental rules. He urged that all factories using generators must install filters. He also recommended better monitoring of food quality. These changes, he warned, are crucial to prevent long-term health disasters.
Backed by years of scientific research, experts warn of the dangers linked to generator emissions. A recent study by the University of Sulaimani confirmed high levels of toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Both pose serious threats to public health.
The Runaki Project aims to solve these problems. Besides reducing pollution, it will provide citizens with uninterrupted electricity and a single monthly bill based on usage. This change will modernize the region’s energy system and clean the air in cities and towns.
As this project expands, Kurdistan could become a model for clean energy and healthier living across the Middle East.