Iraq has launched its biggest-ever water project to address severe shortages. The new Iraq desalination project near Grand Faw Port in Basra will produce 1 million cubic meters of water daily.
In addition, prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani led the foundation ceremony. He called the project a long-term answer to Iraq’s chronic water problems. The country faces reduced river flows and low rainfall, which worsens the crisis.
Moreover, Al-Sudani explained that desalination offers a lasting solution. He said the plant will provide clean drinking water to Basra’s people for many years. He emphasized that the project now sits under full control of Basra Governorate for faster and more efficient work.
The Iraq desalination project faced past delays due to administrative handovers between ministries. With those issues resolved, it is now one of the federal government’s top priorities. The Prime Minister confirmed full federal support, promising job creation, better services, and a boost to economic stability.
The government chose Al-Rida Group and China’s Power China to build the plant. Power China brings advanced desalination technology, which will help deliver clean water on a massive scale.
While the main project is under construction, interim plants will provide water to local areas. These temporary solutions will serve communities until the full system goes live.
The project will serve more than 4 million people in Basra. It includes three main desalination lines, each producing 335,000 cubic meters per day. The design also allows future expansion to meet growing demand.
The plant uses reverse osmosis (RO) to clean the seawater. It also includes 12 storage reservoirs with a total capacity of 1 million cubic meters. A vast 240-kilometer pipeline network will carry water to nine key distribution points.
To power the system, builders will construct a 300 MW power station dedicated to the project. This will ensure steady and independent electricity supply for all operations.
The Iraq desalination project shows the country’s shift toward long-term infrastructure solutions. It marks a serious effort to fight water shortages with modern engineering and international partnerships.
In conclusion, with work already underway, officials hope to transform water access in southern Iraq. This vital project promises health, stability, and a better future for millions of Iraqis.