Work advances on major Chamchamal drinking water project

SULAYMANIYAH — Construction is moving forward on the Goptepe–Chamchamal water project, one of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s largest drinking water initiatives, with more than 20 percent of the work completed, officials said. The project is scheduled to be finished within a year.

Launched under the direction of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the project is designed to end long-standing shortages in Chamchamal and nearby towns and villages. Residents there have faced repeated water cuts, with supply often reaching households only once every 10 to 12 days during summer.

Ari Ahmed, director general of water and sewage at the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism said in a statement, “Work on the Goptepe–Chamchamal water project is ongoing, with 20 percent of the work completed. The project’s cost is 114 billion dinars ($81 million), funded by the Kurdistan Regional Government, and is scheduled for completion within a year.”

The first phase will draw water from a tributary, treat it, and distribute 81,600 cubic meters per day to central Chamchamal, Rzgari, Aghjalar, and ten surrounding villages. The water will meet Iraqi and World Health Organization standards for drinking water, according to Ahmed, who said high-quality equipment is being used in the project.

At full capacity, the project will purify 3,400 cubic meters of water per hour, supplying 60,000 cubic meters daily over 20 hours of operation. Once operational, it will provide clean water to more than 480,000 people and support agriculture in Chamchamal district.

The project officially began on June 30, 2024, after a contract was signed four days earlier. It is scheduled for completion by June 26, 2026. In its second phase, water will be extended to 32 additional villages.