Smaquli Road project faces further delays with final stretch unfinished

ERBIL — The Smaquli Road, a crucial route linking the Raperin Administration in Sulaymaniyah with Erbil governorate, continues to face delays despite significant progress., with a 1.2 kilometers stretch remaining incomplete, leaving the project unfinished and frustrating commuters who rely on the road for regional travel.

The project, divided into three phases, saw its second phase completed last year, extending the road from the Smaquli Dam toward the Chwarqurna district. However, work on the final section has stalled. On September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Reconstruction issued a directive to resume work, with a goal of completing the remaining stretch within a month.

“The first phase of resumed work was completed quickly,” said Rebin Mohammed, the project engineer and supervisor, in an interview with 964Media. He explained that while they aimed to finish the work by September 20 to 23, the road remains closed due to ongoing construction. “Yesterday, the road was reopened, but 1.2 kilometers remain unfinished,” Mohammed said.

The delay, according to Mohammed, is primarily due to late payments to the contractor. “The unfinished section has been prepared and inspected, and it’s ready for the final paving,” he added.

Kosar Hamed, Director of Maintenance and Road Protection in Koya, also confirmed the issue, citing delayed funds from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Finance as the main cause. “Today, [Finance] Minister Awat Sheikh Janab approved the release of the necessary funds, and they will soon reach the company, allowing them to resume work and complete the remaining section,” Hamed said.

For the past two years, the road has been intermittently closed for construction, only to be partially reopened and left incomplete. The Smaquli Road project spans 7.3 kilometers and has a budget of 1.142 billion Iraqi dinars. While the road has been reopened to drivers, the final unpaved 1.2 kilometers continues to pose a challenge.

Drivers have voiced their frustration, with many opting for alternate routes or facing difficult terrain. The Smaquli Road serves as a major connection between the governorates of Sulaymaniyah and Erbil, making the delays particularly disruptive for commuters and regional transportation.​