Erbil Launches Water Recycling Project with JICA

The Governor of Erbil, Omed Khoshnaw [Xoshnaw], has announced the launch of the first phase of the Erbil Wastewater Recycling Project, valued at US$288 million, in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The announcement followed a meeting at the Governorate headquarters with a senior JICA delegation headed by Taketsuru Eiko, Deputy Director of JICA in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

The first phase will extend over 75 kilometres and aims to treat and reuse domestic wastewater for irrigation of parks and green spaces, while modernising the city's sewage network. The project is described as one of the Kurdistan Regional Government's key strategic infrastructure initiatives and the largest environmental infrastructure project in the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

A second phase, valued at US$300 million, is planned to follow completion of the initial stage. Beyond reducing environmental pollution, the project is expected to prevent wastewater from mixing with the Greater Zab River and groundwater resources, while supporting irrigation and expanding green areas around Erbil.

Governor Khoshnaw praised the role of the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued support to Kurdistan Region institutions, particularly in water, sanitation and other public services sectors. He expressed hope for deeper coordination and expanded cooperation, including greater opportunities for Japanese companies to operate in the Kurdistan Region.