Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani confirmed that the government is moving forward with strategic plans to address the water crisis and secure safe drinking water, with desalination projects at the forefront as one of the most sustainable solutions to water scarcity and to meet citizens’ needs across the provinces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this announcement was made during the inauguration of the Al-Zuhour Central Water Project, located north of Baghdad. The project boasts a production capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per hour, designed to supply drinking water to the areas of Al-Husseiniya and Al-Intisar. The Prime Minister highlighted that the project, which had been stalled since 2012, was completed according to the latest international standards and features treatment, pumping, and reinforcement stations, along with 10 tanks and 40 filters.

Al Sudani emphasized that stalled projects have been a significant challenge for the government, with over 2,300 projects either suspended or delayed. He noted that the government’s efforts have led to the completion of a substantial number of these projects. Additionally, 21 drinking water projects have been completed in Baghdad and several other provinces, with work currently underway on 40 additional projects.

Moreover, the government has initiated wastewater treatment plant projects from Mosul to Basra, aiming to increase coverage from 22% to 40%, with an ultimate target of 70% upon the completion of sewage and rainwater network projects. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the second phase of desalination projects would extend to the provinces of Muthanna, Maysan, and Dhi Qar, following the recent groundbreaking of the Basra desalination project.

In conclusion, Al Sudani commended the technical teams responsible for the completion of the Al-Zuhour project, underscoring the government’s reliance on their expertise to manage and maintain essential projects and deliver optimal services to citizens.