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DFID’s infrastructure programme in Iraq
 In 2003, Iraq’s infrastructure had barely been repaired, much less improved.
A combination of conflict, lack of maintenance, sanctions and vandalism had
damaged Iraq’s water pipes, power stations and electricity lines. Since then,
demand for electricity has risen dramatically to levels that Iraq’s existing
infrastructure was never designed to meet.
Surveys have shown electricity supply to be a top priority for many Iraqis.
Our infrastructure work in Iraq is about helping to meet this priority. Once
complete, our programmes will have added or secured 470 megawatts (MW) to the
national grid (enough to provide around one million people with power for 24
hours a day). They will also have improved access to water for a million people.
We are helping the Iraqi Government to deliver its own plans for long-term
investment in infrastructure through our expert assistance to national and
provincial Government.
Immediately after the 2003 conflict, DFID began work on emergency repairs to
leaking water pipes, sewage systems and electricity supplies. This increased
water supply by up to 30% in some governorates. Our work has also improved the
electricity supply to 1.5 million residents in Basra. In early 2005, when the
initial repair work was complete, DFID developed a longer term programme in
partnership with the Iraqi Government. So far DFID has invested an estimated £78
million in essential infrastructure improvements in southern Iraq.
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Delivered so far
Since 2003 DFID has delivered:
- A water training centre in Basra to help Iraqi engineers develop practical
skills that are essential for effective operation and maintenance programmes.
Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development, opened the
centre in March 2006.
- Repairs to a 90 meter chimney at Al-Hartha power station in Southern Iraq.
The chimney was on the verge of collapse, and its loss would have reduced power
supply by the equivalent of almost half the amount needed for the city of Basra.
DFID worked with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to repair the chimney,
thereby securing enough electricity to supply 85,000 Iraqi households.
- Replacement of damaged turbines at a power plant in Southern Iraq,
providing Iraqis with around 50 MW of additional electricity (equivalent to a 24
hour supply for 25,000 households) and securing the existing 30 MW (equivalent
to a 24 hour supply for 15,000 households). This was completed in July 2006.
Over the next nine months DFID will deliver:
- Construction of three new water towers in one of the poorest areas of
Basra, which will provide a further 250,000 people with clean water.
- A new gas pumping station to increase the gas available to two power
stations in Southern Iraq. This will provide Iraqis with an extra 20MW of power
and secure an additional 30MW (equivalent to a 24 hour supply for 25,000
households).
- Refurbishment of a water pumping station and a reverse osmosis unit that
will provide an estimated 250,000 Iraqis in and around Basra with access to
clean drinking water.
As well as improving electricity and water supplies, DFID works with local
contractors to help deliver employment and skills. Our programme is generating a
total of 100,000 work days for local Iraqis, and is equipping local firms with
the skills needed to run their businesses successfully in the future.
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Going forward
While our projects have helped to deliver real benefits to the people of
Iraq, there is no quick fix to Iraq’s electricity problems. The World Bank
estimates that US$20 billion is needed over ten years just to meet growing
electricity demand. The Government of Iraq needs to use its own funds and to
work with large development banks (such as the World Bank) if it is to put in
place the long-term investment that is needed.
 DFID is helping the Iraqi Government to achieve this. We have funded an
expert adviser who has helped the Ministry of Electricity to coordinate donors
and to access World Bank expertise to support reform. We are helping provincial
councils to deliver sustainable and visible improvements for their communities
in southern Iraq, by working with them to agree clear priorities for development
and helping them to access funding from central Government to put their plans in
to action. Basra Provincial Council received around $170 million from central
Government in 2006, and is now using this money to fund over 400 small-scale
investments in essential infrastructure, including roads, water and sewage
facilities.
Last updated 17 April 2007
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