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Cabinet officials

Establishing National Dam Safety Department in Iraq: A Key to Managing Water Resources

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Ministry of Water Resources of Iraq have collaborated to build the ministry's capacity to manage national hydraulic infrastructure safely. The National Dam Safety Department (NDSD), established in Baghdad, will oversee Iraq's national hydraulic infrastructure, including dam safety and management of water resources. The NDSD aims to leverage Italy's expertise in dam safety to train staff and deliver technical assistance across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDSD is a crucial component of the Ministry of Water Resources' strategy for water and land resources, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan and promoting gender equality.
  • The project has enhanced the capabilities of employees at dams and barrages through monitoring and ensuring safe operation of hydraulic infrastructure.
  • The overall project, funded by the Government of Italy, is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Water Resources in the form of skills training, dam safety system advisory, and technology transfer.
  • The Department seeks to leverage Italy's expertise in dam safety, particularly at the Mosul Dam, to train staff and deliver technical assistance at other hydraulic infrastructure.
  • Ambassador Maurizio Greganti praised the work of the Italian company Trevi on rehabilitating the Mosul Dam, stating it was an "outstanding success."
  • SCODAR's Director General, Ali Thamer, emphasized the project's alignment with the Ministry's strategy and its positive contribution to promoting gender equality in technical staff.

Statistics:

  • The overall project is funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Development Cooperation Agency.
  • The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation has stated that the project will have a significant and durable impact on Iraq's human capital and natural resources.
  • The capacity of water storage in the Mosul Dam has been significantly increased as a result of the infrastructure intervention.
  • The project has increased the participation of female technical staff in training related to the project.

Sources:

  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization
  • Ministry of Water Resources of Iraq
  • Italian Agency for Development Cooperation
  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)

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