Iraq is embarking on an ambitious initiative to rehabilitate its water and sewage infrastructure, planning to implement nearly 100 projects. This effort is part of a broader strategy to restore the country’s infrastructure in the aftermath of war. According to Nabil Saffar, a spokesperson for the Construction and Housing Ministry, the recent approval of a three-year budget in 2023 has eliminated financial barriers that previously impeded various projects across Baghdad and other provinces. This article explores the significance of these projects, the current state of Iraq’s water management systems, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Strategic Water and Sewage Projects
The Iraqi government has identified close to 100 projects focused on enhancing water and sewage networks. Saffar emphasized the urgency of initiating these projects, stating, “We aim to launch these projects.” This initiative not only aims to improve public health and sanitation but also seeks to bolster the overall infrastructure of the country, which has suffered extensive damage over the years.
In addition to the primary projects, Saffar mentioned that more initiatives will be rolled out this year, with some included in the three-year budget. His optimistic outlook for the year is clear: “We aim for this to be a year of accomplishments.”
Dams and Flood Control
Iraq’s extensive network of dams plays a critical role in managing its water resources. The country operates three independent systems for dam management:
1.System No. 1 covers the Euphrates, Tigris, Greater Zab, and Lesser Zab.
2.System No. 2 focuses on the Adhaim watershed.
3.System No. 3 encompasses the Diyala watershed.
These systems not only aid in water distribution for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental needs but also provide essential flood protection.
Hydropower Production
Additionally, some dams in Iraq are utilized for hydropower generation. The three largest hydropower dams—Mosul Dam, Haditha Dam, and Dokan Dam—have a combined capacity of approximately 2,100 megawatts (MW). However, actual hydropower generation is often much lower due to varying water levels and operational constraints.
Safety Concerns
The Mosul Dam, the largest in Iraq, poses significant risks due to its construction over gypsum beds, which can dissolve without regular maintenance. A potential collapse could lead to catastrophic flooding in Mosul and Baghdad, threatening millions. In 2016, a $530 million stabilization project was undertaken by the Italian company Trevi and the US Army Corps of Engineers to address these safety concerns. This project involved extensive grouting work, stabilizing the dam to allow for safer water levels.
Irrigation Systems
Iraq’s agricultural landscape is heavily reliant on irrigation, with two-thirds of its 6 million hectares of cultivated land being irrigated. The irrigation methods vary, with 63% relying on gravity canals, 36% using pumps, and 1% drawing from groundwater sources.
Major Irrigation Projects
Several large-scale irrigation projects are underway, including:
– Jazeera Irrigation Project: Located in Nineveh, this project draws water from the Tigris and the Mosul Dam reservoir, aiming to irrigate over 1 million dunams.
– Kirkuk-Adhaim-Hawija Irrigation Project: This initiative will irrigate more than 1 million dunams using tributaries of the Tigris.
– Middle Tigris Project: Covering over 1.5 million dunams, this project spans both sides of the Tigris between Baghdad and Kut.
– Great Abu Ghraib Project: The largest irrigation project along the Euphrates, it aims to irrigate over 500,000 dunams.
Despite these advancements, much of Iraq’s irrigation infrastructure remains outdated and in disrepair, leading to significant water losses.
Water Treatment and Sanitation
Access to clean water and sanitation remains a challenge in Iraq. Approximately 86% of the urban population and 62% of the rural population have access to improved water sources. Iraq’s water treatment infrastructure includes treatment plants and solar units, producing around 12.5 million cubic meters of drinking water daily. However, many governorates struggle to meet local demands.
Wastewater Treatment
Only about 30% of the population has access to a sanitary sewer system, with only ten of the 18 governorates equipped with wastewater treatment facilities. This lack of access forces many rural areas to rely on inadequate alternatives, such as underground septic systems or discharging untreated waste into rivers.
Conclusion
The Iraqi government’s commitment to revitalizing its water and sewage infrastructure through nearly 100 projects marks a significant step toward improving public health and environmental sustainability. While challenges remain, particularly regarding safety, maintenance, and outdated systems, the focus on enhancing water management and treatment facilities presents an opportunity for Iraq to rebuild and modernize its critical infrastructure. As Saffar stated, the aim is for this year to be one of tangible achievements, setting a foundation for a more resilient future.
Reference
1.Water Infrastructure in Iraq
https://water.fanack.com/iraq/water-infrastructure-in-iraq/
2.Iraq plans 100 water and sewage projects in 2024
