Basra: Basra Governor, Engineer Asaad Al-Eidani, has warned that Iraq is facing its worst water crisis since 1930, describing the current situation as “unprecedented” in terms of severity and impact.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a recorded video statement, Al-Eidani noted that water levels in some storage basins have dropped to as low as 1.2 meters, significantly below the previously defined danger threshold of 1.6 meters, according to expert assessments.

He stated that local authorities are confronting major challenges, but continuous efforts are being made to establish integrated infrastructure for water networks, covering an area of over 1.6 million square meters across the province, including pumps and essential equipment.

Al-Eidani emphasized that desalination projects are currently a top priority, adding that the construction of these plants, being undertaken in coordination between local and federal governments, may take up to a year to complete. He also pointed out that comprehensive plans are underway, in collaboration with consultants, to resolve the water issue entirely.

In a related context, he highlighted the improvement of the electricity system in Basra, describing it as a model for the rest of Iraq, thanks to the combined efforts of the local government and the Ministry of Electricity.

Al-Eidani also announced plans to visit Ankara soon to discuss Iraq’s water releases, aiming to secure greater flows into the Shatt al-Arab as part of diplomatic efforts to safeguard the country’s water rights.