Latest news with #AbuSaud
Jordan News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Inauguration of the "Hallabat Conveyance Project" to Enhance Water Supply in Amman and Zarqa - Jordan News
Inauguration of the "Hallabat Conveyance Project" to Enhance Water Supply in Amman and Zarqa Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Saud, inaugurated the Hallabat Water Conveyance Project, which aims to boost water supply in Amman and Zarqa. The project is considered one of Jordan's strategic water infrastructure initiatives and is funded by the U.S. Government. اضافة اعلان According to a statement by the Ministry of Water on Wednesday, the project is designed to strengthen national water supply and expand capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in Amman and Zarqa, with a total investment of USD 50 million. Abu Saud expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Government for its generous and ongoing support of Jordan's water sector, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments in this critical area. He explained that the project is not merely a collection of wells, but rather a clear demonstration of Jordan's determination to confront its water challenges through innovation, international partnerships, and a strong commitment to meeting citizens' needs and supporting the local economy. The project is a vital initiative to enhance water supply, with a capacity of 30 million cubic meters annually. It involves the rehabilitation and drilling of 25 wells in the Hallabat well field, providing additional water to reduce the national water deficit and meet the needs of approximately 820,000 citizens in the governorates of Amman and Zarqa. Additional water will also be made available to other regions as part of the Ministry's strategic national water plan, which aims to reduce water loss and improve supply. The Minister added that efforts are underway to secure new water sources, improve the efficiency of supply and operational systems, and rehabilitate existing resources to ensure additional supply across most regions of the Kingdom. The implementation of such projects will result in improved water delivery to citizens. For his part, Rohit Nepal, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, reaffirmed the U.S. Government's strong commitment to its partnership with Jordan in pursuing a more secure water future. He noted that work continues to enhance Jordan's water security by reducing water loss. The project was completed in a record time of eight months and included the rehabilitation, drilling, and development of 25 wells in the Hallabat well field, securing additional water supplies sufficient to serve over 820,000 citizens annually in Amman and Zarqa. The "Hallabat Conveyance Project" stands as a successful model of effective emergency response to water scarcity challenges in Jordan. It highlights how international partnerships—especially with the U.S. Government—alongside advanced technology and improved infrastructure, can work together to meet citizens' needs and advance national water security goals. — (Petra News Agency)
Jordan News
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Abu Saud: Serious Implications of Declining Per Capita Water Share - Jordan News
Jordan's Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Saud, has warned of the serious challenges facing the country's water sector, stating that the annual per capita water share does not exceed 60 cubic meters—one of the lowest globally—making Jordan the most water-scarce country in the world. اضافة اعلان Speaking during a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abu Saud outlined the ministry's dual-track approach to ensuring water security: implementing the National Carrier Project and reducing water loss by improving network efficiency through modern technologies. According to a statement issued by the forum, Abu Saud emphasized that the National Carrier Project is one of the largest strategic undertakings in Jordan's history, and will serve as a cornerstone for sustainable water supply in the coming years. The project is expected to provide around 300 million cubic meters of water annually. He stressed that water is no longer merely a service issue, but a matter of national security. A further decline in per capita water share—potentially dropping below 30 cubic meters annually—would have severe consequences for various sectors, particularly tourism, industry, and agriculture. In tourism, the high water demand would drive up operational costs, affecting the sector's competitiveness. In the industrial sector, increased water costs would burden factories, raising production costs and weakening export competitiveness. For agriculture, dwindling water resources threaten reduced cultivation areas and declining productivity. Addressing the challenges of aging infrastructure, Abu Saud said that some water networks are over 50 years old. The ministry aims to reduce water loss by 2% annually—about 5 million cubic meters—through pipe replacements, pressure monitoring, early leak detection, and crackdown on illegal connections. He noted intensified efforts against water theft, including legal classification as a state security crime. Dozens of unlicensed wells and illegal desalination stations serving tourist facilities without permits have been shut down. On digital transformation, the minister highlighted the installation of SCADA systems on water and wastewater networks, linked to the National Control Center in Dabouq, enabling real-time monitoring of water flow, pressure, and distribution. AI is now being used to manage pressure in high-altitude areas, with successful trials conducted in Khalda to enhance water supply efficiency. Regarding treated wastewater, Abu Saud said Jordan produces 150–200 million cubic meters annually from over 35 treatment plants. The ministry plans to involve the private sector in operating these facilities under long-term contracts to improve sustainability and reduce costs. He also praised advances in agricultural water use, noting that some Jordan Valley farmers now use smart irrigation systems with soil moisture sensors, reducing water consumption by up to 50%, saving energy, improving crop quality, and opening new export markets. Abu Saud reiterated the seriousness of water theft across the country. With security forces, the ministry has conducted operations leading to the confiscation of equipment and arrests. Water theft is now officially categorized as a state security issue. The ministry plans broader engagement with the private sector in loss reduction projects and treatment plant operations. These partnerships will be based on performance metrics, with private firms compensated according to their success in meeting targets. He highlighted challenges like the brain drain of skilled professionals from the water sector, emphasizing the need for capacity retention. Regarding the financing of the National Carrier Project, Abu Saud confirmed it will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, with funding from international donors and financial institutions—without burdening the national budget. Though the project is costly, its strategic value is immeasurable. The project will rely on desalination plants in Aqaba and major pipelines to deliver water across the country. AI is also being used to detect network issues and manage dynamic pressure, with plans to unify communications systems across control centers to prevent outages. Given the shift to digital operations, the ministry has partnered with cybersecurity firms to protect Jordan's water infrastructure from cyber threats. Abu Saud concluded by stressing that achieving water security requires societal awareness, public-private collaboration, effective technology use, and sound resource management. 'Every cubic meter of water we save or secure is a step toward Jordan's stability and sustainable water security,' he said. He confirmed the ministry's commitment to implementing its comprehensive national strategy, reinforced by continuous royal support. 'We are working to protect Jordanian lives. Water is life—it is the foundation of all development, the economy, and stability.' He also revealed the use of a cleaning boat for King Talal Dam and environmental patrols with the Ministry of Environment to prevent littering in Zarqa River. The session concluded with a wide-ranging discussion between the minister and participants, focusing on expediting the National Carrier Project, addressing water losses, enhancing private sector collaboration, and intensifying public awareness campaigns. The minister affirmed the ministry's transparency and readiness to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure Jordan's sustainable water security.
Jordan News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Minister Highlights Italian Funding as Key Step for Jordan's National Water Carrier - Jordan News
Minister Highlights Italian Funding as Key Step for Jordan's National Water Carrier Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud today highlighted the strategic importance of a newly approved financing agreement with the Italian government, through the Italian Development Bank, for Jordan's national water carrier project. The Cabinet's decision earlier today secured a EUR 50 million soft loan and a EUR 2 million grant for the vital initiative. اضافة اعلان Minister Abu Saud characterized the agreement as a significant milestone in consolidating international support for this critical national infrastructure endeavor. He directly linked this achievement to the successful diplomatic initiatives undertaken by His Majesty King Abdullah II during his recent engagements with the European Union. "The Cabinet's endorsement of this agreement is a tangible manifestation of the fruitful outcomes of His Majesty's dedicated efforts to forge international partnerships in support of this project," Minister Abu Saud affirmed. He stressed that securing the necessary financial resources remains a paramount objective for the government, in alignment with Royal directives, and that this new funding will expedite the project's implementation schedule. The national water carrier project, identified as a foremost infrastructure priority, is designed to mitigate the Kingdom's severe water deficit by providing 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, adhering to stringent international standards. Minister Abu Saud reiterated the indispensable role of international collaboration in ensuring the project's long-term viability and successful execution. He further elaborated that the initiative is anticipated to yield substantial improvements in potable water distribution nationwide, thereby addressing the requirements of approximately 4 million inhabitants. Critically, the project will also serve to reduce the strain on Jordan's over-utilized groundwater reserves, enabling the gradual replenishment of aquifers over the next decade to fifteen years. Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute to a reduction in non-revenue water and enhance the nation's resilience to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Petra
Jordan Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Arab Water Week conference kicks off with focus on sustainability, regional cooperation
Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud on Sunday inaugurates the Arab Water Week conference (Petra photo) AMMAN — On behalf of Her Highness Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud on Sunday inaugurated the Arab Water Week conference. The event brings together participants from around the world, including donor institutions, funding agencies, and stakeholders in the water sector, according to a Ministry statement. Held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea, the conference is themed 'Towards Efficiency and Sustainability in Utilities through the Water, Energy, Environment, and Food Nexus.' It is organised by the Arab Water Utilities Association (AQUWA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Arab Ministerial Water Council of the Arab League. In his opening remarks, Abu Saud emphasised Jordan's position as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world and outlined the growing challenges of water security and groundwater depletion. He highlighted the National Red Sea Desalination Project in Aqaba as a cornerstone of Jordan's strategy to ensure a sustainable and equitable water supply. The minister also pointed to national efforts to reduce water loss, prevent illegal usage, and adopt non-conventional water sources, stressing that such steps are vital to restoring groundwater levels and enhancing sector efficiency. He also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, technological innovation, and community engagement in achieving long-term water sustainability. Abu Saud called for stronger regional and international cooperation to support sustainable development, enhance water and food security, and promote knowledge-sharing, technical training, and innovation. Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam said the conference reflects a growing awareness that regional challenges, especially in water, energy, environment, and food, are interconnected and must be tackled through a unified nexus approach. He noted that 19 of 22 Arab countries are classified as water-stressed, with most falling below the severe water poverty line of 500 cubic metres per capita annually. Citing a 2023 UN report, he said over 90 per cent of the Arab population faces critical water shortages, while 21 countries depend on transboundary water sources such as the Nile, Euphrates, and Jordan rivers, further complicating the region's water security due to geopolitical tensions. Yemeni Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Sharbaji commended Jordan and Egypt's water governance experiences and expressed Yemen's interest in adopting similar models to improve its own water and irrigation infrastructure. Secretary-General of AQUWA Khaldoun Khashman said that Arab Water Week has become a leading platform for dialogue among experts, policymakers, and private-sector leaders, facilitating cooperation and regional partnerships on pressing water-related issues. The five-day event features 35 technical sessions and over 160 international experts discussing topics such as smart water technologies, climate resilience, institutional reform, financial planning, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Abu Saud and German Ambassador to Jordan Bertram von Moltke launched the Ministry's new digital e-library, aimed at expanding access to knowledge and supporting research in the water sector.
