Erbil Hills Golf Course: A Symbol of Wealth Amidst Water Crisis

The construction of the Erbil Hills Golf Course, a luxury project in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), is underway. This development starkly contrasts with the city’s severe water shortage, affecting its poorest neighborhoods .

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Building a golf hill in arid area of Kurdistan is environmentally taxing. Maintaining lush greens and artificial lakes demands excessive water, straining local resources . Similar projects worldwide have been criticized for their water use, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable water management in Erbil . Cynthia Dye, the course architect, claimed, “It is very important to the Iraqis to see water and green. At Erbil Hills, there is a lot of both” . However, this comes at a severe cost to Erbil’s impoverished communities, Washington Institute

Water Crisis in Erbil

Erbil has historically struggled with water shortages, exacerbated by topography, population growth, and unequal water distribution. The city relies on the Great Zab River and over 1,200 wells, but underground water levels have drastically dropped from 100 meters in the 1960s to 700 meters in 2022 . Despite this, the Erbil Hills project consumes vast water resources, including 100 exclusive wells Mr.Kurdish Minister Said .

Social Inequality

The Erbil Hills project symbolizes the widening wealth gap in Erbil. While the elite enjoy luxurious amenities, many residents face severe water scarcity, purchasing water at high prices. Ali Hama Salih, a former member of the Kurdistan Parliament, criticized the project: “While half of the Erbil population suffers from the lack of water, how can you provide water to maintain the greenery of two million-meter green grass?” This disparity highlights the urgent need for equitable resource distribution and sustainable development priorities .

The Erbil Hills Golf Course not only worsens the water crisis but also highlights the social injustices and misaligned priorities of Erbil’s leadership.

Originally owned by the Barzani family but now involving shadow owners, this luxury project drains the city’s water resources. As summer temperatures climb to 45 degrees, residents increasingly protest in various parts of the city, demanding access to clean water.