ERBIL —  The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government have reached an agreement to install four strategic dams as part of Iraqi projects, with the federal government allocating the necessary budget.

Abdulrahman Khani, the Director General of Dams in the Kurdistan Region, confirmed the collaboration on Thursday, highlighting the significance of these projects for both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

"The dams, namely Bakerman, Mandawa, Taqtaq, and Dalga, are crucial for electricity production and water harvesting," Khani said. He noted that while the dams were reviewed and designed a decade ago, they require updates to meet current standards.

A joint committee has been formed between the KRG and the federal government to prepare technical reports, exchange data, and conduct field visits. All relevant information has been sent to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry to facilitate project agreements under the Iraq-Turkey water projects framework.

Khani emphasized the KRG's efforts to include the dam projects' costs in the Iraqi budget, highlighting the critical nature of these initiatives. "The implementation of these projects is complex and costly, but the agreements between Iraq and Turkey on water projects could expedite their completion," he explained.

Currently, the Mandawa and Dalga dams are progressing rapidly, while the Iraq Institute for Strategic Studies is handling the other two dams. The projects are still in the review and design stages, with implementation expected to take time.

In addition to these projects, the KRG has been proactive in water resource management. Under Law No. 4, the KRG aims to manage and conserve water resources, optimize usage, and address environmental concerns. The Region has initiated the construction of over 200 ponds and dams, with 21 dams and 118 ponds currently operational for various purposes, including water harvesting, electricity generation, irrigation, and tourism.

Climate change poses a significant threat, affecting both Kurdistan and Iraq. The KRG is committed to mitigating these impacts, with projections indicating that total water absorption in the region will exceed three billion cubic meters in 2024, up from over two billion cubic meters in 2023.