Iraqi water resources minister visits Balad and Dujil to address irrigation problems

SALAHADDIN, Iraq — Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna al-Tamimi, conducted a field visit on Friday to the Balad and Dujil districts in Salahaddin province to assess local water services and identify the main problems facing the irrigation sector, the ministry said. In Balad, the minister met with MP Mohammed al-Baldawi, the emir of the Hijrat Hazraj, local notables and tribal sheikhs, along with the Salahaddin deputy governor and the district sub-governor. Discussions focused on rising groundwater levels, problems at the Balad Modern Drainage Station and the condition of the DND-18 drainage line. The minister issued directives to connect the eastern main drainage line using suitable technical pipes, replace the existing siphon with a capped outlet, and convert the DND-18 line into a piped, covered system to accommodate the expansion of surrounding residential areas. In Dujil, officials agreed to line the Western Ishaki canal, repair the machinery belonging to the relevant departments, and assign modern equipment for cleaning the canal and drainage lines. The ministry said the visit was carried out as part of efforts to monitor irrigation systems in Salahaddin province and improve the effectiveness of water management. No further details were immediately available.