Construction begins on Kurdistan Region’s largest water storage pond in Erbil

ERBIL — Construction began Saturday on the largest pond in the Kurdistan Region, located in Erbil’s Bnaslawa district. The pond, designed to store three million cubic meters of water, is touted as a major step forward in improving regional water security and supporting agricultural sustainability.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasized the strategic importance of the project. “This pond will be fundamental in improving water management across Kurdistan, especially in combating drought and enhancing agricultural productivity,” Khoshnaw said. He praised the engineers and project managers involved, underscoring the project’s critical role in Erbil’s future. “Upon completion, the Bnaslawa Pond will significantly boost our underground water reserves, mitigate drought effects, and support land irrigation.”

The project is backed by a budget of 3.856 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $2.6 million). The pond will measure 360 meters in length and 17 meters in height, making it a key addition to Kurdistan’s water management infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed within 360 working days, according to officials.

Across the Kurdistan Region, 34 dams, both large and small, have been developed, with 23 already completed and 11 under construction. In the last five years, six dams—Chemerga, Khnes, Dewane, Towrajar, Aquban, and Shawger—have been successfully completed. Construction on two additional dams, Gomespan and Bastura, is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

In terms of ponds, the region has 118, with eight major ones completed in the past five years, and 43 others under construction.

These infrastructure projects aim to strengthen agriculture, reduce the impact of floods, and address ongoing water crises. They are based on ecological and hydrological assessments to ensure sustainable development throughout the Kurdistan Region. The region currently has the capacity to store 150 million cubic meters of water, reflecting steady progress in improving its water management systems.