Iraq completes 45 km of 60 km Basra water pipeline conversion

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources said 45 kilometers of a 60-kilometer pipeline replacing the open canal section of the Basra water line have been completed, with work continuing on the remaining 15 kilometers. The ministry said the project is being carried out under the directives of Water Resources Minister Manah al-Tamimi to convert open channels into a closed pipe system aimed at reducing water losses and evaporation and limiting violations of water allocations. According to the ministry's written statement, the pipeline is being laid as twin lines, each with a diameter of 2 meters. It said the conversion is one of the ministry's strategic plans to ensure adequate, quality water deliveries to the cities of Basra and Dhi Qar and to support the operation of treatment plants. The ministry said work is being carried out across three areas and has included the installation of a new PS2 station equipped with 14 submersible pumps and a secondary station, the laying of twin lines along 45 kilometers, and the fitting of valves at 3-kilometer intervals. It added that construction on the remaining section of the line is still under way, without specifying a completion date.