Latest news with #AbulSaud
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Water Ministry signs early works agreement for National Water Carrier Project
AMMAN: Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud announced on Wednesday the signing of an early works agreement with Director General of the National Water Carrier Project Company Jad Hareebah. The ministry described the agreement as a "critical step in meeting the requirements set by donors and financiers to launch the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project," known as the National Carrier Project, the Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported. The agreement outlines the commencement of preliminary work, which includes engineering design, topographical surveys, geotechnical testing, environmental and field assessments, as well as the installation of temporary facilities. The company will also begin obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, all aimed at optimising the project's efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring that water is delivered at the lowest possible price while adhering to the set timeline, Petra said. Abul Saud highlighted the significance of the agreement, describing it as a crucial step in accelerating the project's procedures and paving the way for financial closure, the official green light for ground implementation. He stressed that this milestone is vital in finalising financial arrangements and advancing the project. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to rigorous oversight, noting, "The project, a top priority in Jordan's economic development agenda, will be executed in partnership with the private sector." The National Water Carrier Project is Jordan's largest infrastructure project and one of the most ambitious internationally. It involves constructing a large-scale desalination plant in Aqaba, with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic metres. The project will feature a state-of-the-art seawater intake system along the Gulf of Aqaba, paired with a cutting-edge reverse osmosis plant to convert seawater into potable water. It will also include a 450-kilometre water transmission system to Amman, along with high-capacity pumping stations and renewable energy components. It aims to generate 31 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will commence preliminary work, including engineering design, topographical surveys, geotechnical testing, environmental and field assessments, and the installation of temporary facilities. The agreement also covers obtaining the necessary permits and licences. These efforts are aimed at optimising the project's efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring that water is delivered at the lowest possible price while meeting the specified schedule. Abul Saud emphasised that the agreement is a crucial step in accelerating project procedures leading to financial closure - the official green light for implementation on the ground. He described it as a key milestone in finalising financial arrangements and moving forward with execution. Underlining the government's commitment to ongoing oversight, the minister sad " the project, a top priority in Jordan's economic development agenda, will be implemented in partnership with the private sector". The National Water Carrier Project is Jordan's largest infrastructure initiative and one of the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It includes the construction of a large-scale desalination plant in Aqaba with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic metres. The project will include a state-of-the-art seawater intake system on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba and an advanced reverse osmosis plant to convert seawater into potable water. The initiative also includes a 450-kilometre water transmission system to Amman, high-capacity pumping stations and renewable energy components, with the aim of generating 31 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Lower House refers 2025 draft amendment to Competition Law for further review
The Lower House convenes a monitoring session on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Ahmed Safadi and attended by the government team, to address parliamentary inquiries and review the government's responses (Petra photo) Labour minister says 43,333 beneficiaries of national employment programme, 32,339 job opportunities available Jordan's per capita water supply to drop without National Water Carrier Project - minister AMMAN — The Lower House convened a monitoring session on Wednesday, presided over by Speaker Ahmed Safadi and attended by the government team, to address parliamentary inquiries and review the government's responses. During the session, the House referred the 2025 draft amendment to the Competition Law to the Parliamentary Investment Committee for further discussion. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen market competition and improve enforcement mechanisms in line with international best practices, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Key changes include restructuring the Competition Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply into an independent Competition Protection Department, which will report directly to the minister and be led by a director-general. Labour Minister Khalid Bakar responded to a question from MP Khalid Bani Atiyah regarding the National Employment Programme. The minister said that 43,333 individuals have benefited from the initiative so far, with 32,339 job opportunities currently available. The discussion focused on maximising the programme's benefits for Jordanian citizens and private sector companies. Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud responded to a question from MP Nour Abu Ghosh regarding the National Water Carrier Project, saying that completing the project would raise the per capita water share to 90 cubic metres annually. Abul Saud also warned that Jordan's per capita water share, currently at 61 cubic metres per year, could drop to 30 cubic metres if the National Water Carrier Project is not implemented. He noted that with the National Water Carrier and the Water Loss Reduction Programme in place, water wastage could be cut to just 2 per cent of total consumption, provided necessary measures were enforced, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Abul Saud underscored the urgency of addressing water losses, as they directly impact citizens' access to water. He stressed the ministry's commitment to enhancing water sustainability and ensuring a secure drinking water supply for all Jordanians. Highlighting Jordan's status as one of the world's most water-scarce countries, he noted the Kingdom's heavy reliance on groundwater due to limited surface water resources.
Jordan Times
29-01-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
National Carrier Project progressing as planned — water minister
The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, is advancing according to plan, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud says on Wednesday (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, is advancing according to plan, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud said on Wednesday. He stressed that the project aligns with Royal directives, government commitments, the Economic Modernisation Vision, and the Water Sector Strategic Plan for 2023-2040, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Abul Saud underscored the strategic significance of the initiative, which is designed to strengthen Jordan's water security, adding "Upon completion, the project will provide 300 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually, benefiting four million citizens." The initiative aims to alleviate the pressure on Jordan's groundwater and surface water resources, offering sustainable solutions to meet the Kingdom's growing water demands. Earlier this month, Jordan formalised a partnership agreement with a consortium of investors, led by Meridiam and Suez, marking a key milestone in advancing the project through a public-private partnership. The project's first phase is set to begin in March 2025, with initial site preparation activities. This phase will include land surveys to define boundaries and topography, soil tests to assess load-bearing capacity and identify underground obstacles, site clearing and levelling for construction, and the establishment of necessary infrastructure and safety protocols, according to the minister. Financial closure is anticipated in July 2025, a crucial step to secure funding and complete legal and technical preparations. "This phase will involve finalising financing agreements and guarantees, obtaining all necessary government approvals, verifying feasibility, and finalising contractual and insurance arrangements." With financial closure, fund disbursements will commence, ensuring long-term project sustainability and attracting further investments, Petra reported. Abul Saud reiterated the government's commitment to begin engineering works by the end of the year. Upon completion, the National Water Carrier Project will be Jordan's first large-scale desalination plant, one of the largest in the world, and the country's largest infrastructure project to date. The project will provide a reliable water supply of 300 million cubic metres annually to much of the Kingdom, improving water distribution, alleviating pressure on existing resources, and helping to replenish over-extracted aquifers to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for Jordan's future. The project aims to ease the strain on Jordan's groundwater and surface water resources, offering sustainable solutions to the Kingdom's growing water needs, he added. Earlier this month, Jordan signed a project agreement with a consortium of investors, led by Meridiam and Suez, marking a pivotal moment for advancing the project through a public-private partnership. The project's initial phase will commence in March 2025, starting with site preparation, including the conduction of land surveys to define boundaries and topography, performing soil tests to assess its load-bearing capacity and detect underground obstacles, clearing and levelling the site for construction and setting up necessary infrastructure and ensuring safety protocols, according to the minister. The project will reach financial closure in July 2025, a critical step that will secure funding and ensure all legal and technical preparations are in place, he added, noting that this phase includes: finalising financing agreements and guarantee contracts, acquiring all necessary government permits and approvals, verifying financial and technical feasibility, finalising contractual and insurance arrangements With financial closure, fund disbursements will begin, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and attracting additional investments, he noted. Abul Saud highlighted the government's determination to kickstart the engineering works by year's end. Once completed, the National Water Carrier Project will be Jordan's first large-scale desalination plant and one of the largest in the world—as well as the largest infrastructure project in Jordan's history. The project will secure a reliable water supply of 300 million cubic meters per year for much of the kingdom. It is expected to improve water distribution, reduce pressure on existing water resources, and help replenish over-extracted aquifers, ensuring a sustainable and dependable water supply for the nation's future.
Jordan Times
27-01-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Water minister discusses sector challenges with World Bank official
Water Minister Raed Abul Saud on Monday briefs World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Ousmane Dione with the Kingdom's pressing water issues (Petra photo) AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud and World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Ousmane Dione on Monday discussed Jordan's ongoing water challenges and the need for practical solutions to manage water resources. Abul Saud reviewed the Kingdom's pressing water issues, including drought, climate change and declining rainfall, stressing that Jordan's water management practices are "recognised internationally for their efficiency and responsibility," the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships and private sector involvement in boosting the Kingdom's water sector. "We have exceeded expectations in reducing network losses and curbing illegal water use, ensuring that millions of cubic metres are diverted to provide drinking water to citizens," the minister said. He added that the government is committed to optimising every drop of available water as part of its ongoing efforts to implement the Economic Modernisation Vision and strategic water plans. Key initiatives include expanding water harvesting projects, improving storage capacity in dams, raising awareness about water use and completing the National Carrier Project, which constitutes a "crucial" step towards ensuring national water security, Abul Saud noted. The minister also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in managing shared water resources, calling for the World Bank's support in advancing projects that secure water rights. Abul Saud highlighted several ongoing projects, including the construction of new dams that are expected to provide additional water for both irrigation and drinking. He highlighted Jordan's leadership in wastewater reuse, noting that the Kingdom continues to make significant progress in this area. Dione expressed the World Bank's continued support for Jordan's water initiatives, including the construction of new dams, increasing storage capacity and addressing regional water issues. He also commended Jordan's efforts in wastewater reuse and water management efficiency.
