Basra: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed that ministers and governors are working as a unified team to address the water scarcity crisis, expressing hope for resolution through the strategies developed.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sudani made these remarks during his visit to Basra Governorate, highlighting the recurring nature of the water scarcity crisis each season due to factors such as climate change and reduced water releases from upstream countries. He mentioned a meeting held with the local government of Basra, which included relevant ministers and the governors of Maysan and Dhi Qar, to review plans and measures for confronting the crisis.
Al-Sudani elaborated on the government’s strategic solutions aimed at tackling the water crisis, which affects all southern governorates beyond Basra. Among these solutions is the seawater desalination project, for which the Basra governor has been authorized to sign a contract with the implementing company. This company is already on-site and has initiated preliminary steps to execute this critical project.
The Prime Minister also noted that the government agreed to Basra Governorate’s request to include additional desalination projects across several administrative units, ensuring that the region’s drinking water needs are met. Al-Sudani further pointed out that diplomatic efforts with neighboring Turkey have led to increased water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which is expected to mitigate the water scarcity issue significantly.
Moreover, Al-Sudani addressed the impact of violations from fish lake constructions, which have exacerbated the water scarcity crisis. The government has launched a campaign to remove encroachments on river water and is taking legal actions against violators. He called for cooperation from all official institutions, regulatory bodies, and citizens to assist security forces in eliminating threats to the water supply.
He continued by mentioning the formation of a technical support team led by the head of the Advisory Board to monitor the water scarcity situation. The Cabinet has approved measures proposed by the team, including financial allocations for project completion. Al-Sudani also discussed implementing projects that aim to provide a long-term solution to the water scarcity crisis in Basra and southern governorates.
In closing, Al-Sudani assured that the federal government is fully supporting Basra’s local government and reiterated the commitment to addressing the crisis responsibly, without media misrepresentation of the citizens’ perspectives.