Haytham Fayez Bakour Appointed General Director of the Euphrates Dam by Presidential Decree: Engineering Expertise Takes Over Responsibility of a Strategic Facility

The Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara issued today, Sunday, Decree No. (183) for the year 2025, appointing engineer Haytham Fayez Bakour as the General Director of the General Authority for the Euphrates Dam, in a move that reflects the government's trust in his extensive technical expertise and his vital role in protecting one of the most critical water facilities in the country.

Professional and Technical Background

Bakour hails from Raqqa Governorate and is considered one of the prominent engineering talents in the water resources sector, having worked for years within the Euphrates Dam in sensitive operational positions, including the turbines section and the mechanics department.

His name emerged during the years of war as one of the engineers who continued to work despite the complex security conditions, warning of a potential collapse of the dam due to the damage inflicted on the operational structure.

Media Appearance and Technical Warnings

In 2017, Bakour appeared at a press conference in Gaziantep, discussing the seriousness of the technical situation inside the dam, pointing to the burning of the operations room and the malfunction of the gantry crane, which hindered the opening of the emergency gates.

He also participated in media interviews with international channels, including "Al Jazeera Mubasher," where he spoke about the lack of electrical supply and damage to vital equipment, calling for a halt to military operations around the dam and allowing maintenance teams to enter.

Realistic Engineering Vision

Bakour is known for his precise technical descriptions and his ability to provide realistic solutions within the available capabilities. He has repeatedly called for creating a safe environment for technical work inside the dam, asserting that saving the facility was possible provided that coordination and necessary preparations were available.

His field experience in dealing with technical crises is one of the key strengths that led to his appointment to this position.

Tasks for the Upcoming Phase

Bakour is expected to lead the authority towards a new phase of rehabilitation and modernization, especially in light of climate challenges and the increasing pressure on water energy sources.

The General Authority for the Euphrates Dam oversees irrigation and electricity generation in the eastern region, and the new administration is relied upon to enhance operational stability and ensure the structural safety of the dam.