On Sunday, Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation for the new Erbil Wastewater Recycling project, which will support Erbil’s Green Belt and Life Path Initiatives.

Read More: Protecting the Environment Is Key to Kurdistan’s Future: PM Barzani

“Treated water will be used to serve green areas and parks, while protecting rivers and natural water of all of Iraq,” Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.According to the KRG, the initiative is one of the largest environmental infrastructure projects in the Kurdistan Region, with an investment of $579 million. The plant will be constructed on 205 acres in western Erbil and will have the capacity to treat 840,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day, including both black and grey water.

During the event, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the importance of the project for protecting surface water resources and preventing groundwater pollution. “This project will help keep the water resources of other Iraqi governorates clean as well, as they feed into river basins, especially the Tigris,” he added.

He also noted that water scarcity has become a major challenge in Iraq and the wider region. However, the KRG has initiated several important projects in water supply, protection, and environmental conservation, including the construction of dams and ponds, and extending water supply to cities and surrounding areas.

“We have even more ambitious plans for all cities and areas of Kurdistan. We are confident that in the coming years, Kurdistan will take another significant step forward on the path of development and prosperity,” Prime Minister Barzani concluded.