Latest news with #RaedAbuSaud
Jordan News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
French Development Agency Supports Water Projects in Jordan - Jordan News
Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Saud, met on Thursday with a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD) led by Yves-Guy Keraudren, Regional Director for the Middle East. The meeting, also attended by Secretary-General of the Water Authority Eng. Sufian Al-Batayneh and Planning and Management Director Eng. Sultan Al-Mashaqbeh, focused on accelerating the implementation of key water sector projects aligned with Jordan's Water Sector Strategy 2023–2040. اضافة اعلان The Minister reviewed the sector's ongoing efforts to fast-track projects aimed at improving water and sanitation services, including: The National Carrier Project The Balqa Wastewater Treatment Plant (valued at €75 million) The Madaba Wastewater Treatment Plant and Networks (€100 million) Sukhneh Wastewater Project Qasabat Ma'an Wastewater Project Rehabilitation of Faisal Nursery Wells in Jerash to enhance water supply in the governorate The discussions covered the latest updates on these initiatives, with the Minister expressing hope for further fruitful cooperation with AFD. The French delegation presented a summary of AFD's financial contributions and the progress of their joint work with Jordan's water sector. They expressed satisfaction with the productive and constructive partnership, affirming the agency's ongoing commitment to support and coordinate efforts to improve water and sanitation services across the Kingdom.
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)
Roya News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
High-level Jordanian delegation heads to Damascus for bilateral talks
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will begin an official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Tuesday, heading a high-level Jordanian ministerial delegation. The delegation includes Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Al-Shamali, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, and Minister of Transport Wissam Al-Tahtamouni. The Jordanian delegation is scheduled to hold extensive talks with their Syrian counterparts — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faysal Mekdad, Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Mohammad Samer Al-Khalil, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Firas Kaddour, and Minister of Transport Zuhair Khazim. Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including water, energy, trade, and transportation.
Ammon
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Jordanian ministerial delegation begins working visit to Damascus
Ammon News - A Jordanian ministerial delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, begins a working visit to Damascus on Tuesday. The delegation includes Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud; Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah; Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh; and Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni. The delegation is expected to hold extensive discussions with their Syrian counterparts: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani; Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Al-Shaar; Minister of Energy Mohammad Al-Bashir; and Minister of Transport Yarub Badr.
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.
