Iraq’s Council of Ministers has approved new decisions focused on water security in Basra and moving forward with the first phase of the Grand Faw Port project.
During the cabinet meeting, officials reviewed the Al-Baradhiya water project in Basra and agreed to set up modular water treatment stations along the Shatt al-Arab River. These stations are meant to help secure stable drinking water supplies for the province.
The government decided that the cost of these water stations will be counted as recoverable petroleum costs under the Zubair oil field development project, meaning the expenses will be recovered through oil operations rather than regular state spending.
The cabinet also approved allowing the Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq to move ahead with previously signed contracts with Daewoo Engineering & Construction. These contracts relate to infrastructure work for the first phase of the Grand Faw Port, one of Iraq’s largest strategic development projects.
In addition, the Council backed a recommendation from the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, requiring the Ministry of Transport to prepare a full technical study of the Grand Faw Port project. This study must be done in coordination with the Air Force Command and other relevant authorities.
The report will include detailed cost estimates and must be submitted to the Council of Ministers before any new contracts are awarded, aiming to improve oversight, planning, and financial transparency.
Overall, the decisions highlight the government’s focus on improving essential services in Basra while keeping tighter control over the execution and costs of major national infrastructure projects like the Grand Faw Port.
