
Erbil residents struggle with water shortages amid summer heat in Iraqi Kurdistan.
A community left thirsty and forgotten
ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— In the heart of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, the taps have gone silent, and the wells that once quenched the thirst of thousands are nearly depleted.
The capital, Erbil, finds itself in a deepening crisis, as 80-year-old Babir waits anxiously for the rare arrival of trucked-in water. In the modest confines of his home in the Darto suburb, Babir’s days pass in a haze of discomfort, as the simple act of bathing has become a luxury he hasn’t enjoyed in weeks, according to an AFP report.
“There is nothing worse than not having water,” Babir says, his voice filled with frustration and weariness. He, like many of his neighbors, relies on groundwater, a resource that has become increasingly scarce in Erbil and its surrounding areas.
For years, the residents of Erbil have dreaded the arrival of summer. It brings with it not only oppressive heat but also the grim reality of dwindling water supplies. The relentless drought, compounded by a lack of functional wells and frequent power outages that cripple the pumps, has left entire communities struggling for the most basic necessity: water.
“We bathe once every fortnight if we’re lucky,” Babir shares, the despair evident in his voice as he recounts the hardships faced by his family. Dressed in his traditional Kurdish sarwal trousers, he climbs to the roof of his house, scanning the street for the familiar sight of a water truck. Spotting one, he quickly descends to request a refill, knowing that this might be his only chance to secure water for days.
This time, the water truck belongs to a local aid group, a temporary reprieve from the constant worry. However, such aid is not always available, and when it isn’t, Babir is forced to dip into his meager pension or rely on the goodwill of family members to cover the cost of water and other essentials.
The crisis is not new, and over the years, residents from various districts have repeatedly taken to the streets, demanding action from the authorities. Yet, Babir, like many others, feels his pleas have been ignored. “I’m considering moving to a place with water,” he admits, a thought that reflects the growing desperation among those hardest hit by the water shortage.
The Land of Dried Rivers
Iraq, once proudly known as the Land of the Two Rivers, referring to the Tigris and Euphrates, now faces a harsh reality. The water levels of these once-mighty rivers have drastically dropped, and the United Nations now ranks Iraq as one of the countries most severely impacted by the effects of climate change.
The blame for Erbil’s current predicament is shared between the ongoing drought and the upstream dams constructed by neighboring Turkey and Iran, which have further reduced the flow of water into Iraq.
Erbil’s water system relies heavily on 1,240 wells scattered throughout the city, along with the Ifraz water station, which draws from the upper Zab River.
This river, originating in Turkey, eventually joins the Tigris in Iraq. However, this lifeline is under threat as well. Erbil’s governor, Omed Khoshnaw, recently revealed that “more than 25 percent of wells have dried up this year,” emphasizing the need for the city to reduce its dependence on groundwater.
In response to the escalating crisis, local authorities have allocated 1.5 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $1.1 million) to tackle the issue. The funds are earmarked for digging new wells and ensuring a stable power supply through generators and the national electricity grid.
Local official Nabz Abdul Hamid acknowledged that power outages have severely impacted the ability of pumps to supply water to residential areas. “We have now provided an uninterrupted electricity supply to most of the wells,” he stated, adding that efforts are underway to improve the water supply from the Ifraz plant as well.
A Plea for Long-Term Solutions
In the Darto district, the arrival of a water truck brings a brief moment of relief. A worker deftly maneuvers the hose, sending a torrent of water into a waiting tank. Nearby, a young girl fills plastic bottles while children splash water on their faces, a small respite from the relentless heat.
However, for many, like 49-year-old Surur Mohamad, the situation remains dire. “For anything more than basic clothes, I have to go to a nearby village where they have a steady water supply,” he explains. The water truck deliveries from aid organizations are appreciated but far from a sustainable solution.
“The government must find radical solutions,” Surur insists. “Relying solely on wells is no longer viable, especially in the face of ongoing drought.”
His neighbor, Mahya Najm, shares similar frustrations. The water shortage has kept her children and grandchildren from visiting, further isolating her in these difficult times. “We cannot wash, cook, or even receive guests,” she laments. “We are in dire need of water. This is not a life.”
As Erbil’s residents continue to grapple with the water crisis, their hopes rest on the government’s ability to deliver long-term solutions. Without immediate and effective action, the very survival of these communities remains at risk.
Corruption
The Iraqi Kurdistan region is often regarded as the most corrupt part of Iraq. Watchdog organizations, Kurdish lawmakers, and leaked documents reveal that billions of dollars from oil revenues are unaccounted for.
The ruling Barzani clan in Iraqi Kurdistan, often referred to as the “Kurdish oligarchs,” has been frequently accused by critics and observers of nepotism and accumulating vast wealth from the oil industry for their family rather than prioritizing the needs of the population.
(With files from AFP)
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