Major development projects come on stream in Kurdestan
Several major civil and water projects were put into operation on Friday during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Kurdestan Province in western Iran.
During the official trip, Saqqez Martyrs Airport, as the largest construction project in Kurdestan Province, and ten major water projects, including two dams were officially inaugurated.
Emphasizing the significance of completing the projects of water and power infrastructure for the country’s development, Raisi highlighted Kurdestan Province’s potential in fields of production, agriculture, tourism, and industry, saying, “completing the necessary infrastructure for the province is among the government’s priorities”.
After 27 years of waiting, the 180-hectare Saqqez Martyrs Airport, as the largest construction project in Kurdestan, officially opened with the landing of the president’s plane on Friday.
The airport will play a crucial role in the puzzle of Kurdestan’s development and increasing its accessibility in various sectors.
The presence of the Baneh Special Economic Zone, the Baneh-Marivan Free Trade Zone, the official recognition of the Siranband cross-border, and finally the proximity of the airport to the Iran-Iraq border are among the reasons for the importance of this major civil project in the province.
During Raisi’s visit to Kurdestan, approximately $4 million were allocated to complete the project, the construction studies of which began in 1996.
The airport has a runway of 2,600 meters and a 450-meter taxiway, a 2,500-square-meter parking area, 1,300 square meters of street lighting, a control tower, inspection assistance devices, and a police building.
Also, with the inauguration of various water and sewage projects in Kurdestan, President Raisi said, “With the opening of these projects, the water supply situation in the cities and villages in Kurdestan has improved, and 50 percent of the water crisis has been resolved. During the inauguration ceremony of the permanent pump station in Boyin, Baneh County, Raisi said that 10 major water projects in Kurdestan have become operational, including two dams that were put into operation, as well as works that were carried out in the field of water purification plants, Zarivar Lake in Marivan, and wastewater management.
Referring to the reduction in rainfall in some areas of the country, Raisi said that the government is pursuing proper and efficient water resource management. Through planning, the government aims to provide the required water to the shareholders and water applicants, despite water resource shortages and reduced precipitation.
The government’s initial goal, as announced by the president, is to alleviate water stress in 10,000 villages from the beginning of his term (in August, 2021). He said that today, through dedicated efforts, the government is addressing water issues in 3,500 villages in the country, and by the end of this government’s term, they plan to resolve water-related problems in 10,000 villages.