Today, Thursday, Anbar Governorate announced the details of the Western Desert Irrigation Project, while setting the date for its full completion, and confirmed the continuation of work to increase water pumping and reach the last border area.
The project manager, Ahmed Jubair Sabbar, told the (INA): “The Western Desert Irrigation Water Project was established in 1982, when it was established initially with a conveyor pipe with a diameter of 800 mm from the Abu Taiban area in Ramadi, all the way to the Trebil border crossing, with a length of 450 kilometers along The rapid traffic line,” indicating that “the project costs 24 billion dinars and is one of the strategically important projects that serve the country.”
Sabar added, “The project is currently in the maintenance phase after it was subjected to terrorist attacks by ISIS criminal gangs, as the completion rate in the project has now reached 55%,” pointing out that “it is hoped that the project will be opened and water pumped into it, and final operation will be at the beginning of March of the year.” 2025. Currently, the pumping is experimental for maintenance and has reached the Al-Sakkar area in Al-Ruttba, where the project serves the areas extending from Abu Taiban to the city of Al-Akba, Al-Mohammadi, and Kilometer 35. And the entire Al-Wafa district, its Kasbahs, the village of Abu Al-Jir, the border crossings, Trebil, Al-Walid, Arar, the city of Rutba, and all the security forces present in the region, and the main conveyor pipe is to the city of Rutba, and it is likely that an additional conveyor pipe will be supplied to the Nukhayb district.”
He continued, “The maintenance stages include the entire stations, the first, second, third and fifth payment stations, which is the main feeder station in the Abu Taiban area, which pumps up to 70 kilometers to the station.” B1and the station B2 At Kilometer 110 and the station B3 Kilometer 160 and the station B4 Al-Sakkar area and station B5 Al-Rutba area,” noting that “we are in the process of maintenance after the pipeline was subjected to terrorist attacks.”
He pointed out that “the project provided job opportunities for approximately 300 young people in all specializations, including graduates, technicians, and workers.”
Regarding the protection of the project at the present time, Sabar pointed out that “the deployed emergency regiments and army units are responsible for protection until the concerned authorities are approached for the purpose of providing protection for this project because it is an important and dangerous project at the same time if it is exposed to the risk of terrorist or criminal attacks, the spreading of toxins in the project, and the issue of chlorine.” It is very important, as the relevant authorities will be contacted for the purpose of providing protection.”
He explained that ”the pumping rate is 1,500 cubic meters per hour at the present time, and after the completion of the Al-Wafa Water Project, pumping will be 4,000 cubic meters per hour.”
Interview with Ahmed Jubair Sabbar, Project Manager of the Western Desert Irrigation Project
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Mr. Sabbar, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about the Western Desert Irrigation Project. It’s an important initiative for Anbar Governorate and the whole country. Could you share with us a brief overview of what this project entails?
Ahmed Jubair Sabbar (AJS): Thank you for having me. The Western Desert Irrigation Project, initiated in 1982, aims to provide a sustainable water source for agriculture and communities in Anbar. It features a large conveyor pipe that extends 450 kilometers from the Abu Taiban area in Ramadi to the Trebil border crossing. This strategic infrastructure is vital for improving water access in the region.
TNE: That’s impressive. With a project of such scale, what has been the overall cost, and what is its expected completion date?
AJS: The project has an estimated cost of 24 billion dinars. As of now, we have reached a completion rate of 55%. Our goal is to fully operationalize the irrigation system by early March 2025, which is a significant milestone for us.
TNE: Given that this project has faced challenges, including terrorist attacks, how have you managed to keep the progress going despite these setbacks?
AJS: It has indeed been a challenging period for us. After facing attacks from ISIS, we prioritized the maintenance phase of the project to ensure safety and functionality. We’ve focused on repairing the existing infrastructure while slowly resuming operations. Currently, we’ve reached the Al-Sakkar area in Al-Ruttba, where we are conducting experimental pumping as part of our maintenance efforts.
TNE: It’s commendable how you have navigated such difficulties. Can you explain how this project benefits the local communities and security forces in the region?
AJS: Absolutely. The irrigation project not only aids agricultural development but also supports communities in Al-Akba, Al-Mohammadi, and other surrounding areas. Additionally, it provides essential water resources for border crossings like Trebil and security forces stationed in the region, enhancing overall stability and security as well.
TNE: With an impending completion in 2025, what plans do you have to further extend the project’s capabilities, especially concerning regions like Nukhayb?
AJS: We are considering the implementation of an additional conveyor pipe to serve the Nukhayb district, ensuring that more areas benefit from this vital water source. The goal is to expand our reach and improve irrigation, which will ultimately lead to better agriculture and living conditions.
TNE: Before we conclude, could you share what you believe this project represents for Anbar Governorate and the broader context of Iraq’s development?
AJS: The Western Desert Irrigation Project stands as a testament to resilience and progress in the face of adversity. It is a vital element of Iraq’s strategy to enhance water management and agricultural practices. As we push toward completion, we hope it will inspire confidence, aid economic recovery, and foster community development for years to come.
TNE: Thank you, Mr. Sabbar, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing the project’s completion and its positive impact on the region.
AJS: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important project!