Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, laid the foundation stone for the Erbil Sewage Treatment Plant project, a landmark initiative aimed at improving sanitation, protecting the environment, and providing a sustainable water supply for the region.
The project, being implemented by the Awzan Company at a cost of $579 million and funded through the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism’s budget, marks a significant step toward modernizing Erbil’s infrastructure. Although the necessity and benefits of the project have been widely discussed for years, construction has only recently begun. While the initiative is being executed by the Kurdistan Regional Government, its positive impact is expected to extend across Iraq.
Located west of the capital on 205 dunams of land, the site receives sewage from all parts of Erbil. Previously, raw sewage was mixed with rainwater, polluting the environment, contaminating groundwater, and flowing into the Tigris River, posing serious risks to central and southern governorates of Iraq. The new treatment plant is designed to address these challenges effectively.
According to project plans, the facility will treat 840,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day and is designed to operate for thirty years. The first phase is being implemented by the Japanese agency JICA, while the second phase is managed by the local company Awzan. The project also includes a 22-kilometer sewage transport network, part of which utilizes the advanced “Pipe Jacking” system to ensure city streets remain undisturbed during construction.
The treatment and filtration process will purify water through multiple scientific stages, producing clean water for various purposes. Once operational, the plant will provide water for irrigation of Erbil’s green belt, agriculture, and other uses, while significantly reducing the spread of communicable diseases and mitigating environmental damage caused by untreated wastewater.
Barzani emphasized that the project demonstrates the Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and the risks of drought, climate change, and water scarcity. He noted that the facility strengthens the region’s capacity to protect its citizens and natural resources, while providing a sustainable solution to water management. The Erbil Sewage Treatment Plant is scheduled for completion within two years, and officials expect its benefits to be felt throughout the region upon its opening.
