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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.
Jordan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Project inaugurated to enhance water supplies to Amman, Zarqa
The Hallabat Water Conveyance Project, funded by the US government, seeks to boost national water supply and expand the capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in Amman and Zarqa, with a total investment of $50 million (File photo) AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Wednesday inaugurated the Hallabat Water Conveyance Project, a 'strategic' infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing water supply in Amman and Zarqa. The project, funded by the US government, seeks to boost national water supply and expand the capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in Amman and Zarqa, with a total investment of $50 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Abu Soud expressed his gratitude to the US government for its 'generous and continued' support to the water sector, stressing the importance of strategic investments in this field. The minister described the project as 'vital' to enhancing water supply, providing 30 million cubic metres annually through the rehabilitation and drilling of 25 wells in the Hallabat well field. He said that the additional supply will help reduce the water deficit and meet the needs of around 820,000 people in the governorates of Amman and Zarqa. Abu Soud noted that the project will also provide extra quantities to other areas, as part of the ministry's broader efforts under the National Water Strategy to reduce water loss and improve supply. He added that efforts are ongoing to secure new water sources, increase the efficiency of supply and operational systems, and rehabilitate existing resources to ensure additional water reaches most regions across the Kingdom. US Chargé d'Affaires Rohit Nepal stressed the US government's commitment to partnering with Jordan in its pursuit of a more water-secure future, referring to ongoing efforts to enhance Jordan's water security by reducing water loss. The project was completed in a 'record' time of eight months and involved the rehabilitation, drilling, and development of 25 wells in the Hallabat field, Petra said. The venture is considered a 'successful' model of effective emergency response to the challenges of water scarcity in Jordan. It highlights how international partnerships, especially with the US government, along with advanced technology and improved infrastructure, can collectively contribute to meeting citizens' needs and advancing national water security goals, Petra added.
Jordan Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Managing Jordan's draught: Strategies for a sustainable future
Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries globally, faces a critical challenge in ensuring water security for its growing population and various needs. With per capita renewable water resources falling much below 90 cubic meters annually, significantly under the 500 cubic meters threshold for severe water scarcity, the nation must adopt urgent comprehensive strategies to manage its water crisis. Several factors contribute to Jordan's water scarcity, such as its arid country, as Jordan receives limited rainfall, most of it evaporates. Also, the influx of refugees, foreign labour, tourism, agriculture and natural population growth have increased demand for water. Furthermore, rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns exacerbate water shortages. Groundwater, accounting for 54 per cent of Jordan's water supply, is being depleted faster than it can be replenished, leading to declining water tables and water quality issues. To address these challenges, Jordan has implemented several strategies, the latest of which the National Water Strategy 2023–2040. This comprehensive plan aims to achieve water security through coordinating the development and management of water, land, irrigation, and related resources, investing in projects like the National Water Carrier Project to transport desalinated water from the Red Sea to various regions, enhancing wastewater treatment facilities to recycle water for agricultural and industrial use and upgrading infrastructure to minimize leaks and unauthorized usage. Given the limitations of conventional water sources, Jordan is exploring deep water aquifers and desalination: Treating seawater to meet domestic and industrial needs, collecting and storing rainwater for various uses and utilising treated wastewater, especially in agriculture, to reduce reliance on freshwater sources. However, agriculture consumes a significant portion of Jordan's water, but not much is done to control exporting water through exporting products like tomatos and cucumber, containing 95 per cent of its weight in water. To enhance water efficiency, urgent measures must be taken. These include regulating the types of agricultural products grown and improving irrigation methods. Promoting hydroponic farming—growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions—can significantly reduce water consumption while enabling cultivation in limited spaces. Additionally, expanding and financially supporting drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to plant roots and minimize evaporation, is crucial. Above all, educating citizens about water conservation is essential, raising public awareness about the importance of saving water and practical ways to do so. However, education alone is not enough. Given the severity of this year's drought, strict enforcement measures must accompany awareness efforts. Fines should be imposed on those who use hoses to wash cars or pavements, or who fail to repair overflowing water tanks, among other violations. Without such action, water distribution during the summer will become even more restricted. Jordan's water crisis demands collective action and stronger international partnerships. Collaboration with organizations like the World Bank and the support of foreign aid have been valuable, and we are grateful for their contributions. However, these efforts alone are not sufficient to meet the scale of the challenge. Jordan must also actively engage in agreements with neighboring countries to manage shared water resources more effectively. So, what are the priorities in draught management? The water conservation strategy must come first and be enforced by law, just as seat belt use is mandated for public safety. The dangers of water scarcity are equally serious, since less water leads to more health risks. Moreover, relying on purchased water tankers is not a sustainable solution; it is costly, the quality is not guaranteed, and it can burden poor families, forcing them to sacrifice access to nutritious food. This procedure is followed by, or ought to be in parallel with, reducing leaks from main pipes, which is in average around a third of our drinking water. Also, address water theft, open waterways and expand on dams storage capacity. Covering dams with plastic balls or floating PV cells can reduce evaporation from dams too. Jordan's water scarcity is a multifaceted issue demanding a holistic approach. Through strategic planning, technological innovation, public engagement, strict draught emergency laws and international collaboration, Jordan aims to secure a sustainable water future for its citizens. Continued efforts and adaptive strategies will be essential in navigating the challenges posed by this pressing draught crisis. No need to wait for establishing committees, start now, not much time is left for summer!
Arab News
22-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is engineering a water-secure future
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is tackling water scarcity with bold steps toward a sustainable future. Through its National Water Strategy and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is pioneering solutions to ensure long-term water availability. Investing in desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart water management, Saudi Arabia is transforming the sector. The National Water Co. supports Vision 2030 by accelerating projects, improving infrastructure, and implementing digital water management for sustainability. Water sustainability strategy Hany Labib, chief operating officer of international consulting and engineering organization Dorsch Middle East, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia's structured approach to water sustainability ensures that security of the natural resource remains central to national development. 'The National Water Strategy and Vision 2030 have created a framework that balances infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms, and advanced water management practices to address the Kingdom's water scarcity challenges,' he said. Labib noted that a key pillar of this strategy is investing in water infrastructure, highlighting his company's partnership with Saudi Arabia's NWC to oversee 253 projects, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. 'These projects are designed to reinforce water distribution networks, improve wastewater treatment, and ensure long-term water reliance and a positive customer experience,' he added. Public awareness campaigns underscore conserva-tion's importance amid climate pressures and population growth. Adham Sleiman, water utilities expert at Kearney MEA Another key initiative is Saudi Arabia's focus on optimizing resource use by reducing water losses and maximizing wastewater reuse. 'With a considerable investment, this key initiative is not just addressing immediate water demands but also ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations. By aligning sustainability goals with economic and environmental objectives, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for comprehensive water management strategy within the region,' said Labib. Smart water tech push Saudi Arabia is leveraging advanced technologies to drive long-term sustainability and operational efficiency in the water sector. Labib highlighted future technologies shaping Saudi Arabia's sustainability and efficiency goals, noting the Kingdom's leadership in smart water management solutions. 'With a growing number of water and wastewater projects in motion, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in optimizing resources, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term viability,' he said. The Dorsch Middle East official explained that one of the most transformative innovations is the expansion of treated wastewater reuse, reducing reliance on freshwater sources while meeting industrial and agricultural needs. 'In parallel, real-time digital monitoring systems are improving network efficiency by detecting leaks, tracking consumption patterns, and optimizing distribution,' he said. Labib noted that low-energy desalination and next-generation filtration technologies will boost sustainability in water production. He emphasized that through these innovations, Saudi Arabia is not only securing its own water future but also creating scalable solutions that other arid regions can adopt. 'In a fast-changing world of technology, Saudi Arabia seeks to be at the forefront of emerging technologies and make use of data in their water investment decisions. AI is a new tool which can greatly assist in the analysis of data arising from smart water systems including customer usage patterns,' said Labib. Integrated water strategy Adham Sleiman, water utilities expert at Kearney MEA, highlighted Saudi Arabia's integrated water sustainability approach under its national strategy, emphasizing its long-term vision. 'The Kingdom advances desalination, groundwater conservation, and wastewater reuse, as well as leveraging smart technologies and renewable energy. Investments in digital monitoring, smart metering, and AI-driven leak detection enhance efficiency,' he said. Sleiman noted that the strategy strengthens policy frameworks and governance to optimize water use, highlighted by the recent establishment of the Saudi Water Authority. In 2024, the NWC treated 2.1 billion cubic meters of wastewater, ensuring water security, sustainability, and efficiency. 'These efforts reinforce Saudi Arabia's commitment to a resilient water future,' Sleiman said. Saudi Arabia is at the center of water sustaina-bility initiatives, hosting major forums like the Saudi Water Forum and the One Water Summit. Azamat Zhangeldin, manager, energy and process industries at Kearney MEA PPPs driving innovation in sector As for public-private-partnerships in the sector, Sleiman emphasized that PPPs are key to advancing Saudi Arabia's water infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, driving innovation and investment in the sector. 'The Saudi Water Partnership Co. has attracted over SR45 billion ($12 billion) in private sector investments, fostering efficiency and innovation in water production and treatment. Saudi water ecosystem's collaborations with international firms introduce advanced technologies, such as energy-efficient desalination and smart water management systems,' Sleiman said. He added that these partnerships distribute risks and leverage private sector expertise, leading to improved service quality and accelerated project delivery. 'By expanding PPP frameworks, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its water security and promoting sustainable resource management,' said Sleiman. Addressing climate risks Azamat Zhangeldin, manager, energy and process industries at Kearney MEA, highlighted how Saudi Arabia is preparing to address climate-related risks, such as prolonged droughts or shifting rainfall patterns, to ensure long-term water availability and resilience. 'Saudi Arabia is at the center of water sustainability initiatives, hosting major forums like the Saudi Water Forum and the One Water Summit, emphasizing integrated policies, economic development, and accelerating UN SDG (sustainable development goal) 6,' he told Arab News. He added that recognizing limited freshwater sources, the Kingdom has invested heavily in desalination, with 33 plants and 139 purification facilities producing 11.5 million cubic meters daily. 'Public awareness campaigns underscore conservation's importance amid climate pressures and population growth,' he said, concluding that these solutions, encompassing desalination, purification, dam construction, and flood management, enhance water resilience and storage, ensuring long-term availability and mitigating climate-induced risks. Balanced approach Dorsch Middle East's Labib emphasized that sustainable urban planning is key to developing water security, citing initiatives such as Green Riyadh, which incorporate water-efficient irrigation and landscaping for long-term conservation. He added that through strong policies, innovative technologies, and large-scale infrastructure projects, Saudi Arabia is creating a resilient, efficient water system that ensures secure access for future generations. 'The Kingdom's ability to implement projects at scale while maintaining efficiency and resource optimization makes it a model for other nations facing similar water challenges,' said Labib. He believes Saudi Arabia is creating a replicable blueprint for sustainable water management, and added: 'The Kingdom's success lies in its centralized water strategy, where strong governance frameworks, public-private partnerships, and technological advancements work in unison to achieve long-term water security.'
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: $51mln worth agreement signed to enhance Bani Kenanah water supply system
Amman: The Ministry Of Water And Irrigation On Wednesday Signed An Agreement With Local Contractors To Implement The Second, Third And Fourth Phases Of The Construction Of Bani Kenanah Water Supply System Project Through A $51-million Deal Funded By The European Investment Bank (eib). Minister Of Water And Irrigation Raed Abu Soud, Speaking At The Signing Ceremony Alongside Eib Representative Suad Farsi, Stressed The Project's Importance In Improving Water Services And Advancing The Government's Economic Modernisation Vision, The Jordan News Agency, Petra, Reported. He Noted That The Initiative Aligns With The National Water Strategy 2023-2040 And The Water Authority's Broader Plans. The Minister Highlighted Ongoing Efforts To Upgrade And Replace Water Pipelines By The End Of 2025 To Enhance Efficiency, Minimise Water Losses, Reduce Energy Consumption, And Bolster Self-sufficiency In The Water Sector. He Stressed The Project's "significance" In Serving Northern Regions With High Concentrations Of Syrian Refugees, Utilising Modern Water Management Technologies. The Agreement Covers The Installation Of Main And Secondary Water Supply Lines To Serve 25 Villages In Bani Kenanah. Upon Completion, 93 Per Cent Of The Area's Residents Will Have Access To Natural Water Supply, Improving Distribution Efficiency And Replacing Outdated Networks. The Project Includes The Construction Of A 15-kilometre (km) Transmission Line With A 700-millimetre (mm) Diameter From The Zubda Reservoir To The Bani Kenanah Reservoir, Along With 70-km Long Of Pipelines Ranging From 150 To 600mm In Diameter And 545km Of Pipelines Between 50 And 300mm Made Of Ductile Iron And Polyethylene. Additional Infrastructure Includes A 16,000 Cubic-metre Water Tank, A 1,000 Cubic-meter Water Tank, And A Modern Pumping Station. The Project Also Features An Operations And Security Facility, House Connections, 33 Electromagnetic Meters, And A Scada System For Real-time Monitoring. The Second, Third, And Fourth Phases Will Commence Following The Completion Of The First Phase (package A), Valued At $15.5 Million, Which Includes The Construction Of The Bani Kenanah Reservoir, Transmission Line, And Pumping Station. The Project Is Expected To Be Completed By The End Of 2027. Abu Soud Praised The Partnership Between Jordan And The Eib, Expressing Gratitude For The Financial Support Provided By Donor Countries To Address The Kingdom's Water Challenges. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided By Syndigate Media Inc. (
