Toward A Sustainable Water And Sanitation Strategy for Duhok Governorat

Abstract

This article focuses on building a resilient sector based on a unified approach for a comprehensive social, economic and environmentally viable water and sanitation sector development for Duhok Governorate. The article highlights the challenges of meeting the growing water demand, the impact of water scarcity, the changing geo-political scenarios, the sanitation policy of Duhok, the need to prepare for a water-secure future for all citizens and residents of Duhok Governorate. To achieve an integrated approach to manage water resources and sustainable water and sanitation services in light of future sector imperatives there is a need to protect our water resources while ensuring equitable and efficient water allocations to meet all social and economic development needs, with secured wastewater/sanitation services to our populations. Furthermore, there is a need to revise the institutional and legal frameworks to streamline sector management and administration. The management and protection of water is a shared responsibility among various government sectors, municipalities, businesses, industry, and individuals. Residents need to be aware of how much water they use, practice water conservation, and respect the environment. Water and sanitation management could include developing a better understanding of water resources and using this information to support sustainable economic development; implementing improved long-term management developed through joint work of all stakeholders; and evaluating opportunities to share more information with the public.