New projects to improve water supply in northern, central regions

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has started the implementation of new projects to improve water supply in the northern and central regions, according to officials.

The projects, which will be carried out at a cost of JD2.650 million, are part of the ministry’s “resilience plan” which seeks to address the exceptionally surging demand for water in light of scant rainfall and the influx of more Syrian refugees into the country, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Omar Salameh.

The resilience plan proposes the implementation of new water infrastructure projects in case Syrians continue to take refuge in the Kingdom over the next few years, according to the ministry.

The projects, which will be carried out by local contractors, entail extending new water pipes in Ajloun Governorate at a cost of JD112,000, Water Minister Hazem Nasser said in a statement e-mailed to The Jordan Times.

In addition, water mains and pipes will be established in the Northern Badia at a cost of JD1.5 million to collect water from Al Akeb wells, Nasser added, noting that this project will be implemented within one year.

In addition, the ministry will establish a water main to improve water supply in Jerash Governorate, the minister said, adding that implementation will take three months and will cost JD157,000.

The projects, which will be implemented across the country to improve supply, are funded by the Gulf grant.

In 2011, the Gulf Cooperation Council allocated $5 billion to finance development projects in Jordan during the 2012-2016 period. 

The grant is divided between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with each country paying $1.25 billion.

A list of development projects was prepared by a committee, with some $425.40 million allocated for water and sanitation projects.