Drought and desertification in Iraq negatively affect water resources. The thirst problem experienced throughout the country also shows its effect in the cities in the north.
Erbil Water Works Manager Zerdeşt Abdulhalık said that regions such as the city center, Erbil plain, Kesnezan township, Daratu, Şaves and Perzin benefited from 1240 wells in Erbil.
Abdulhalık said, “55 wells have dried up in Erbil this year. As Erbil Water Works Directorate, we are planning to drill 60 new wells.” said.
According to the data of the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (IKRG) General Directorate of Water and Sewerage Affairs, there are 5,740 drinking water wells in the region.
IKBY is trying to find a solution to the water problem with the dams, ponds and wells it has built. However, drying wells also negatively affect the daily life of citizens.
Due to the water cuts lasting for weeks in some neighborhoods of the city, the people sometimes take to the streets and carry out small-scale protests.