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By John Lee.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [Doctors Without Borders] has handed over its medical activities in the Sinuni General Hospital to the Ninewa Directorate of Health.

Full text of statement from MSF:

MSF hands over medical activities at Sinuni General Hospital in Sinjar

Five years after our first efforts to restore people's access to medical services in Sinuni district, in Iraq's Ninewa governorate, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has handed over our medical activities in the Sinuni General Hospital to the Ninewa Directorate of Health and to another humanitarian organisation.

Located north of Mount Sinjar, in the northwest of Ninewa governorate, Sinuni town and the surrounding area came under the control of the Islamic State (IS) group from August to December 2014, when it was the scene of extreme acts of violence, mainly targeting the Yazidi community. Today, the people of Sinuni have come a long way on their journey towards recovery.

MSF teams started working at Sinuni General Hospital in August 2018.

"When we arrived, the hospital was only providing very basic services, with limited supplies and few medical or technical staff," says Baroj Hussein, MSF head of mission advisor in Iraq. "Even water and electricity supplies were not constantly available."

"We were warmly welcomed in Sinuni," says Hussein. "The community already knew us very well, as we were providing our medical services in displacement camps and informal settlements where people from the community had taken shelter in the Kurdistan region."

MSF's aim in Sinuni was to restore healthcare services for the local community and for people returning to the area. We started by fully rehabilitating the hospital building and putting in place everything the hospital needed to function smoothly. Next, our teams started providing emergency medical care, maternity care, and care for children and newborn babies.

Following the end of the battle to retake Sinjar district from the IS group, displaced people started returning to their homes. Having a fully functioning hospital in the area was an incentive for them to return.

"Displaced people became more confident in coming back home because MSF was there, at a time when no other maternity services were available," says Khalfa Ilyas, MSF midwife supervisor at Sinuni General Hospital.

Most former residents of Sinjar region chose to return to Sinuni town, because it was relatively undamaged and because security was restored there sooner than elsewhere in the region.

"When we first set foot in Sinuni in early 2018, the place felt like a ghost town, despite some people having returned there," says Hussein. "People rarely ventured out in public, and life seemed to have come to a standstill. People had nothing and could not access anything as businesses and services were not restored."

Many people from the Yazidi community suffered immense psychological trauma during the time the region was under IS control and while displaced. Recognising that people in Sinuni required more than just physical healing, MSF introduced comprehensive mental health services. By providing counselling, psychological support and psychiatric care, our teams addressed these invisible wounds.

These activities were carried out both in the hospital and within the community, with MSF health promotion teams raising awareness about mental healthcare and making sure that local people knew how to access these services.

During the 2022 COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our services by setting up a seven-bed isolation unit to treat patients with mild and moderate forms of the disease and to help stop the virus from spreading, while bringing in essential supplies.

"MSF entered the picture when the community had nothing," says Elias Musa Ali, a community member and former MSF watchman. "During the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when much-needed personal protective materials were scarce, MSF stepped in with vital supplies. The overall support MSF provided left an indelible mark on Sinuni."

Throughout their five years in Sinuni, MSF teams also focused on passing on their expertise, building capacity and investing in the training and professional development of local healthcare professionals.

(Source: MSF)

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC):

IBBC Autumn Conference in Dubai examines: 'Iraq - Building a sustainable future'.

For the first time in over 30 years, Iraq is currently experiencing a relatively golden scenario with high oil prices and government surpluses, a stable government, and peaceful borders. A stable economy is also leading to neighbouring countries like Saudi, UAE and Turkey starting to invest in infrastructure for the first time, such as the proposed dry canal route from Basra to Turkey, and the government is proposing large residential and refinery projects appealing to international companies like Shell , and countries like China in particular.

As with many economies, clouds loom on the horizon in the form of climate change, corruption, middle east conflicts and a dependency on maintaining oil value.  At the IBBC Dubai conference on the 7^th and 8^th of December, we will be looking at key areas of the Iraqi economy and seeking solutions for longer term sustainability and resilience in sectors including the economy, climate, business and security, with significant panels on Finance, Energy, Business and Infrastructure and, a whole day dedicated to Education, skills and training, now a Government priority to modernise Iraq and provide employment for the young growing population.

Delegates will hear from leading government ministers and envoys, including the H.E. Dr Thani Bi Ahmed Al Zeyoudi UAE Minister of state for foreign trade, Dr Mohammed Shukri Chair of Kurdistan board of investment, HE Mr Zyed Al Fadhil, Iraq Minister of Electricity, Dr Fareed Yasseen Iraq Climate change envoy. On the Energy panel Ms Dunia Chalabi CEO of Total, is discussing renewable and gas capture energy agreements with GE. The finance panel has the two largest banks in Iraq: Mr Al Delaimy CEO of TBI, Mr Choucair CEO of SC Bank and Mr AL- Sugheyer of IFC discuss various options for diversifying investment and sustainable sources of finance, the macro-opportunity for financing major infrastructure projects. Mr Al-Delaimy will talk about the challenges of the Iraqi banking systems, financial reforms in Iraq and the TBI's work with Global Export Credit Agencies. Mr Choucair is expected to build on this, discussing SCB and its relationships with UKEF, and the alternative forms of financing available to the Gov of Iraq - in particular, PPP financing for projects related to social impact and sustainability.

The Business Success panel celebrating AAA Holdings new fertilizer plant in Basra, Basra Gateway Terminal and Al Busttan oil production support for the IOCs.

Those delegates purchasing the 8^{th of} December conference at the Address Hotel, will also be able to attend the special education and skills conference 'building sustainable education in Iraq' run with GEMS, on 7^th in the Crown Plaza Dubai, with leading UK politician and former minister Lord Boetang opening, Dr Hazim Al-Zubaidi Director of Gov programmes Iraq, Prof Hamid Ahmed, Iraq PM advisor on Education. We will hear about vocational training, academic and business collaboration and Iraqi Scholarship programme, which are all on Iraq Government priorities and also of great interest to the private sector as it expands, and  as expert labour shortages need to be met to enable a modern, sustainable Iraq economy.

Of course, conferences aren't all about panels and speakers, but also to enjoy networking and friendship that goes on in the breaks and beyond the event. IBBC values the opportunity for members to meet speakers and others in supply chains more informally, so we not only cater for side meetings, but also hold a reception on the evening of 7^th at the Address Hotel for all ticket holders to meet. These also include our invaluable sponsors, who this year have exceeded expectations:

Principal sponsors include Al Busttan and AAA Holdings. Education Day Sponsor - GEMS. Gold sponsors - TBI and Sardar Group. Silver sponsor: Hydro-C. Reception sponsor - Basra Gateway Terminal. Partners include - Travel Partner - London Sky (with discounts) and Insurance Partner - Al Maseer.

Baroness Nicholson (President of IBBC and UK Government Trade envoy to Iraq) will welcome everyone to the conferences, and the British Ambassador to Iraq and other Iraqi officials are also expected to attend what is expected to be a sell out conference.

Details for registration and agenda here: https://iraqbritainbusiness.org/event/ibbc-dubai-autumn-conference  or [email protected]

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Cabinet has approved a recommendation1 of the Energy Council, to allow the Ministry of Electricity to invite specialized companies to implement a Smart Metering System in the country.

According to the statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the process is also exempt them from the usual instructions regarding government contracts.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul Ghani, has announced the launch of the country's first project funded by carbon bonds.

The announcement was made during a workshop titled "Carbon Bonds," organized by the Ministry of Oil's Training and Development Department to discuss the ministry's vision and plans for carbon reduction.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Oil, the project marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and protecting the environment, aligning with Iraq's commitments. The ministry plans to finance these projects through carbon bonds.

A comprehensive working team has been established to manage carbon reduction efforts, including a central committee and subcommittees distributed across the ministry's companies. The government has empowered the Oil Minister to devise suitable mechanisms for these projects, including commercial and contractual arrangements with specialized companies.

Iraq's Midland Oil Company (MOC) becomes the first national company to adopt carbon bonds in the East Baghdad oil field. This initiative seeks to expand optimal gas investments in the central region and enhance Iraq's carbon bonds portfolio.

During the workshop, officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Electricity highlighted their efforts in carbon reduction and sustainable development, emphasizing the adoption of renewable energy sources.

The Ministry of Oil's Training and Development Department provided insights into their environmental protection and emission reduction initiatives, showcasing the government's commitment in this area.

The workshop also covered Iraq's position in the climate negotiation delegation at COP28, and the ministry's achievements in carbon reduction, renewable energy, and future visions for capacity building in energy and carbon reduction projects.

The event was attended by various government officials and representatives from related ministries and companies.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Oil Minister has 'activated' three contracts with UAE-based Crescent Petroleum, as part of Iraq's fifth licensing round.

The contracts are aimed at harnessing 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, within one and a half years, from the following development blocks:

• Gilabat-Qumar [Kalabat], in Diyala
• Khashim Ahmer-Injana [Khasham Al-Ahmar], in Diyala
• Khudher Al-Mai [Khider al-Mai], in Basra and Muthana

Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani emphasized the government's and ministry's dedication to increase investment in gas production, focusing on utilizing the gas to generate electricity.

In a statement, the Ministry said the implementation of these contracts will prevent gas flaring, and the gas will be used to produce electricity through mobile power stations at the field sites, bolstering the national grid with substantial gas reserves.

The original, twenty-year, contracts for these projects were signed in February 2023.

Crescent Petroleum had previously stated that the two fields in Diyala, Gilabat-Qumar and Khashim Ahmer-Injana, will initially produce 250 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of natural gas.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

Kurdistan Region Boosts Water Resources with 13 New Dams

The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made significant strides in enhancing water availability across the region. Their primary focus has been the construction of dams and reservoirs, with the completion of four dams and ongoing work on 13 additional ones. The combined cost of these projects exceeds 553 billion Iraqi dinars (IQD) [$422 million].

Abdulrahman Khani, the Director General of Dams in the Kurdistan Region, revealed in an interview with the Media and Information Department that the region currently boasts 21 dams, including Dukan and Darbandikhan, which are utilised for electricity generation. The directorate aims to equip all newly constructed dams, such as Bawanur and Mandawa, with electricity generating hydropower plants.

Completed Dam Projects:

Eighteen dams have already been successfully completed in Erbil, Slemani, Duhok, and Garmian. These dams collectively offer a storage capacity of 80.756 million cubic meters of water. In Erbil, five dams have been completed (Jali, Degala, Hamamok, Kudala, and Chamrga); Slemani boasts four dams (Shewasor, Hashazin, Chami Smor, and Dewana); Duhok has two dams (Bedohy and Khanas); and Garmian features seven dams (Bawa-shaswar, Hassan Kanosh, Horaw, Qadir Karam, Awa-Spi, and Turajar). These dams are fully operational, with 14 of them costing IQD 108 billion, and the remaining four amounting to IQD 21 million.

Dams Constructed by the Ninth Cabinet:

Among the 18 completed dams, the ninth cabinet was responsible for the construction of four: Chamrga in Erbil, Dewana in Slemani, Khanas in Duhok, and Turajar in Garmian. These projects, totalling IQD 45 billion, contribute a storage capacity of 29.1 million cubic meters of water.

Ongoing Dam Projects:

The KRG's ninth cabinet, upon securing funding from previous cabinets, initiated the construction of 13 dams across the region, which are now nearing completion. Once finished, these dams will increase the Kurdistan Region's water supply by a substantial 269 million cubic meters. Mr. Khani emphasised that the goal is to have "at least four dams fully operational for water storage by the end of this year." These 13 dams, distributed as four in Erbil, three in Slemani, two in Duhok, two in Garmian, and three in Kurdistani areas outside the region, represent an investment of IQD 553 billion.

Designing for the Future:

The ninth cabinet has allocated IQD 21 billion for the design and surveying of 41 dams, along with $645,000 (USD) for the design of an additional six dams. These investments pave the way for future infrastructure development and water resource management.

Dams: A Multifaceted Engineering Triumph:

Dam construction stands as one of humanity's most remarkable engineering achievements, serving diverse purposes such as agricultural irrigation, potable water supply, electricity generation, industrial applications, and tourism development. These projects play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall quality of life in the Kurdistan Region.

(Source: KRG)

By John Lee.

The Director General of Dhi Qar Oil Company (DQOC), Ali Khudair Abbas, has unveiled the company's plans to transition to solar energy systems for supplying electricity to oil fields, facilities, and its departments.

He said that this move aligns with the directives of the Minister of Oil to adopt renewable energy for power generation, meeting the needs of companies, facilities, and oil-related departments while optimizing electricity consumption. The objective is to reduce the national electricity grid's load and rely on self-generation.

The General Manager stated that the company has equipped several buildings at its headquarters with solar power sources, along with the oil fields in Saba'a and Nasiriyah. He noted that the company has made significant progress since the beginning of the current year and looks forward to further enhancing energy supply in the coming year.

The Head of the Electricity Department at the DQOC, Hazem Ismail, emphasized the company's use of cutting-edge solar energy technologies and regular maintenance and updates.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the recommendation from the Ministerial Energy Council (Resolution No. 23089 for 2023), allocating $202,576,000 from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Electricity for the purpose of rehabilitating Units 2 and 3 at the Hartha Thermal Station (pictured) and the rehabilitation of the Doura Gas Station.

In a statement, the Media Office of the Prime Minister said these projects are vital for supplying the electricity grid.

"The allocation is in accordance with the provisions of the Federal General Budget Law for the next three years, with the Ministry of Finance funding 50% of the amount for this year."

(Source: Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

The Governor of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, has inaugurated the electricity interconnection project between Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the city of Dammam on Tuesday.

His Highness confirmed that the electrical interconnection project between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aims to preserve energy security and enhance integration between the GCC countries for the benefit of the people of the Gulf.

The CEO of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, said the platform "opens the horizons of the Gulf market for trade and exchange of electrical energy between the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iraq."

 He added that the energy traded with Iraq could be between $200- and $300-million annually.

More on Iraq's relationship with the GCCIA here.

(Source: GCCIA)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil reiterated its commitment to executing strategic gas development and investment projects.

During a leadership meeting on gas projects held on Sunday at the ministry's headquarters, Deputy Minister for Gas Affairs, Azat Saber, emphasized the importance of accelerating new projects through national efforts and international collaboration, particularly in areas rich in gas hydrocarbon structures.

Saber highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Al-Halfaya Complex project in Maysan, set to add 300 million cubic feet per day at the beginning of the next year. This gas will supply electricity power stations. Additionally, an agreement with TotalEnergies will add 600 million cubic feet, and gas processing complexes in Nasiriyah and Gharraf with a capacity of 200 million cubic feet each.

Furthermore, Basra Gas Company (BGC)'s gas investment projects have achieved production rates exceeding 1,000 million cubic feet, with future plans aiming for 2,000 million cubic feet.

Saber also mentioned support for gas storage and compression projects, essential for the gas sector, and emphasized adherence to the government program and directives from the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil to expedite gas investment projects within set timelines. This will support the national economy and secure gas supplies for electricity power stations and other gas-related uses. He expressed hope for adding new quantities to national production in the coming months.

Saber revealed the ministry's efforts to develop the Mansuriya field in Diyala Governorate through an agreement with a foreign company, which will be announced soon.

The meeting, attended by the general managers of companies and relevant departments, discussed various agenda items.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)