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Jordan News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation Delegation Reviews Morocco's Experience in Desalination - Jordan News
A delegation from Jordan's Ministry of Water and Irrigation, headed by the Secretary-General Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, visited the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water to explore Morocco's experience in water desalination. The visit, which included field tours to several desalination plants and water facilities, aimed to strengthen cooperation frameworks and exchange expertise in water resource management between the two brotherly countries. اضافة اعلان Dr. Al-Mahamid stated that the visit included several meetings and site visits, all part of a joint cooperation program to benefit from Morocco's experience in desalination. He also highlighted Jordan's efforts in tackling increasing water challenges in recent years, with per capita water share dropping below 60 cubic meters annually. He emphasized Jordan's commitment to finding sustainable solutions, especially through projects like the National Water Carrier, which focuses on seawater desalination. Al-Mahamid gave an overview of Jordan's water resource management and the modern technologies the ministry is adopting in alignment with the National Water Strategy (2023–2040), aimed at achieving water security and sustainable national development. Eng. Saddam Khleifat, Director of the National Water Carrier Unit, provided a detailed presentation on the national desalination project and ongoing efforts to implement it. From the Moroccan side, Abdelkebir Alaoui, Director of Water Equipment at the Ministry of Equipment and Water, stressed the importance of partnership and knowledge exchange to confront the region's water challenges, driven by climate change and the widening gap between water demand and availability. He presented an overview of Morocco's water situation, highlighting the impacts of climate change and the country's plans to build new dams and seawater desalination plants. An extensive discussion took place between both parties, addressing various water-related issues and ways to establish effective mechanisms for enhancing joint cooperation in desalination, dams, and water management. The two sides also agreed to finalize the signing of a cooperation agreement in the water sector. The Jordanian delegation included Media Assistant and Spokesperson Omar Salameh, Director of the National Water Carrier Unit Eng. Saddam Khleifat, Head of the Desalination Department Eng. Haitham Al-Taani, Project Director Eng. Issa Al-War, representatives from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and other stakeholders. From the Moroccan side, attendees included Rachid Rajel (Water Planning), Jihan El Ouardi (Non-Conventional Water Resources), Issam El Gharari (Water Management), Mohamed Bir Hamma (Sanitation), and others. The delegation also met with Jordan's Ambassador to Morocco, Jumana Ghunaimat, at the embassy in Rabat. Ambassador Ghunaimat welcomed the Jordanian delegation and praised the Ministry's role in strengthening cooperation among Arab countries. She emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building bridges and promoting joint efforts to address shared water challenges. The delegation expressed their gratitude to Ambassador Ghunaimat for the warm reception and for the embassy's continuous efforts to enhance Jordanian-Moroccan collaboration. The visit included stops at the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, the Rabat Water Treatment Plant, the Agadir Desalination Plant, the Massa-Souss River Basin Agency, and several technical meetings.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan faces world's worst water shortage, says water minister
AMMAN — Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud. Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic. 'Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,' he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan's water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades. He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom. Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state's budgetary burden. Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan's ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades. By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added. Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits. Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan's key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports. In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added. In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman's Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister. Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added. In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs. The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation. Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan faces world's worst water shortage
A view of the King Talal Dam in Jerash, some 50km north of Amman (File photo) AMMAN — Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud. Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic. 'Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,' he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan's water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades. He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom. Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state's budgetary burden. Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan's ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades. By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added. Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits. Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan's key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports. In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added. In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman's Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister. Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added. In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs. The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation. Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders.
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan faces world's worst water shortage, says water minister
A view of the King Talal Dam in Jerash, some 50km north of Amman (File photo) AMMAN — Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud. Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic. 'Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,' he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan's water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades. He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom. Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state's budgetary burden. Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan's ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades. By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added. Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits. Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan's key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports. In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added. In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman's Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister. Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added. In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs. The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation. Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan and the IMF: Stability achieved, reform ahead
The recent agreement between Jordan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights six key pillars shaping Jordan's economic outlook: Maintaining relative macroeconomic stability amid regional instability, cautiously optimistic growth projections for 2025, a focus on long-term structural reforms in critical sectors, continued commitment to fiscal discipline, persistent challenges in the labour market, and strong economic fundamentals supporting future recovery. These elements portray an economy with significant potential, yet emphasise the need for accelerated reforms and broad national commitment to sustain recent progress. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF's management and the Executive Board. The completion of this review will make SDR 97.784 million (about US$130 million) available, out of the approved program size of SDR 926.370 million (about US$1.2 billion). Despite the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and rising uncertainty in global trade and financial markets, Jordan's economy has managed to remain relatively stable. Real GDP growth in 2024 reached 2.5 per cent, and inflation remained contained at below 2 per cent. This performance reflects the resilience of Jordan's economic framework and its adherence to sound macroeconomic policies. The Central Bank of Jordan has been central in maintaining monetary stability, keeping the dinar pegged to the US dollar and preserving adequate foreign currency reserves. On the fiscal side, the government took corrective actions to compensate for revenue shortfalls, helping to limit the fiscal deficit. Looking ahead to 2025, the IMF projects a modest recovery, with growth expected to reach 2.7 per cent, driven by a rebound in tourism and an improvement in domestic demand. Several large-scale investment projects, such as the National Water Carrier, are expected to contribute to this momentum, alongside anticipated progress under the Economic Modernisation Vision. There is also potential for increased regional economic cooperation, particularly with Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, which could open up new export markets and boost services. However, this outlook remains vulnerable to regional and global risks, and the current account deficit, estimated at 5.9 per cent of GDP in 2024, underscores the importance of careful external sector management. A particularly significant component of the IMF's latest review is the advancement toward an agreement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). This facility is designed to help countries address deep-rooted structural challenges and enhance their capacity to withstand future shocks, including those related to climate and health. In Jordan's case, the focus is on the water and energy sectors — two areas that represent long-standing sources of inefficiency and fiscal strain. Reforms in these sectors will be essential not only for improving financial sustainability but also for enhancing competitiveness and creating a more investment-friendly environment. By targeting long-term structural reforms, rather than short-term fixes, Jordan is signaling a shift in its policy priorities. This reflects a growing awareness of the need to address the fundamental weaknesses in the economy that have long hindered its growth potential. These efforts, if sustained and complemented by broader institutional and labor market reforms, can lay the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive economic future.
