PM Sudani announces strategic desalination projects to tackle Basra's severe water crisis
Following a high-level meeting in Basra with relevant ministers and the governors of Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar, the Prime Minister laid out a comprehensive plan to confront what he acknowledged is a recurring crisis fueled by climate change and reduced flows from upstream countries.
The centerpiece of the new strategy is a large-scale seawater desalination project. PM Al-Sudani confirmed he has authorized the Governor of Basra to sign the contract with the implementing company, which he stated is already on-site and has begun preliminary work. This will be supported by several smaller desalination projects in various administrative units to cover the governorate's drinking water needs.
On the diplomatic front, the Prime Minister highlighted recent successes with 'neighboring Turkey,' stating that Ankara has agreed to increase water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a move hoped to provide significant relief.
Internally, the government is taking a harder line on illegal water usage. Al-Sudani pointed to the 'very large number' of unauthorized fish farms as a major factor in the crisis and confirmed that a campaign to remove these and other illegal encroachments on rivers is underway, with legal action to be taken against violators. A high-level technical support team has also been formed to oversee all related projects and has been granted financial allocations to ensure their completion.
Despite the comprehensive nature of the new plan, it is being met with public skepticism rooted in a long history of similar promises from previous governments. Social media users have reportedly circulated a seven-year-old video of the current Basra governor making similar pledges to solve the water issue.
The crucial question for the citizens of Basra is whether this time will be different. While PM Sudani's direct intervention and detailed strategy offer a new sense of urgency and hope, the success of the plan will be measured not just in cubic meters of water, but in its ability to restore public trust and bring a final, sustainable end to their long-standing suffering.
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