Ghab Plain Irrigation Infrastructure Receives First Upgrade in 18 Years
The General Authority for the Management and Development of the Ghab has commenced a comprehensive rehabilitation and clearing project for irrigation channels and agricultural drainage networks in the Ghab Plain, located in the western countryside of Hama. This initiative marks the first large-scale maintenance work conducted on this critical infrastructure in over 18 years, signaling a renewed focus on restoring the efficiency of the region’s water management systems.
The project, which is centered near the area of Jorein, is designed to enhance the overall performance of the irrigation network, directly benefiting the agricultural sector in the region. By removing years of accumulated sediment, vegetation, and other physical obstructions, officials aim to restore the natural flow of water. These improvements are expected to significantly increase the capacity of the network, ultimately ensuring reliable water access for more than 50 hectares of fertile land that have previously faced service challenges.
According to the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture, the operation is a core component of a broader effort to upgrade the fundamental infrastructure required for sustained agricultural production. Ensuring that water reaches fields efficiently is vital for farmers in the Hama province, particularly as they prepare for the demands of the summer harvest. The ongoing works are expected to improve the serviceability of land plots and support the viability of summer crops, which are essential to the region’s food supply and local economy.
In a related effort to support the region’s agricultural readiness, the Hama Water Resources Directorate also initiated a maintenance project last week targeting a secondary drainage canal. This canal serves the area spanning from the spring of Jibab al-Hamida to the spring of al-Fawar. By clearing this critical artery, the Directorate expects to facilitate the irrigation of over 1,500 dunums of land currently cultivated with various summer crops.
These combined initiatives represent a significant push by the relevant authorities to address long-standing maintenance deficits that have hampered agricultural operations in the Ghab Plain. By investing in the cleaning and restoration of these essential water management routes, the government seeks to provide a more stable environment for farmers and maximize the potential of the province’s agricultural output. As these projects move forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the rehabilitated channels can sustain the increased water demands of the upcoming agricultural seasons.
