The Grand Basra Water Project has reached a major construction milestone as work on its main transmission pipeline moves ahead at a faster pace. Iraqi officials say the project is now 86.5% complete, bringing the long-awaited water network closer to serving Basra’s growing population. Engineering teams continue operations around the clock to maintain the project’s momentum.
The General Directorate of Water, part of the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Public Municipalities, announced that crews have completed 26.5 kilometers of the planned 37-kilometer transmission line. Officials described the progress as a key step toward improving water infrastructure across southern Iraq. The project aims to strengthen the city’s long-term water supply.
Director General Ammar Adel Hussein said construction teams now work under a double-shift schedule, covering both daytime and nighttime hours. The extended work schedule allows engineers to speed up installation while meeting technical standards. As well as, officials hope the approach will keep the project on track for completion.
Current work focuses on the area surrounding the Al-Askari bridge overpass. Engineering teams have completed much of the complex underground crossings required in this section. These operations allow crews to install pipelines beneath existing roads without disrupting traffic or damaging nearby infrastructure.
The transmission pipeline forms the first phase of the Grand Basra Water Project. Once completed, the network will carry up to 200,000 cubic meters of water per hour. Officials expect the system to provide reliable water supplies across Basra’s city center, where demand continues to increase.
Resident engineer Mortada Mohammed said workers are using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) during construction. These machines allow crews to complete underground excavation with greater accuracy and efficiency. The project also includes reinforced concrete jacking pipes designed to withstand long-term operating pressure.
Officials explained that the transmission line will connect directly to the Hartha water purification plant during Phases Three and Four of the overall project. This connection will strengthen the city’s water distribution system while improving supply reliability for homes and businesses.
The Grand Basra Water Project represents one of Iraq’s largest infrastructure investments in the water sector. Government officials consider it a central part of the federal cabinet’s development program. The project aims to modernize aging infrastructure while supporting future population growth across Basra.
Construction crews continue advancing toward the remaining 10.5 kilometers of pipeline needed to complete the transmission network. Officials remain confident that steady progress and continuous field operations will keep the project moving forward. Once fully operational, the Grand Basra Water Project is expected to deliver a stable supply of clean drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents throughout Basra.