Latest news with #RaedAbulSaud
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 By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water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.
Jordan Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Ministry launches $10.3m KOICA-funded water project in Jerash
The project was launched in Al Mastabah region in the presence of the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud, South Korean Ambassador to Jordan Kim Pil-woo and KOICA Country Director Kim So-young (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Tuesday launched a $10.34 million water infrastructure project to improve water supply and distribution in Jerash, with funding and technical assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project was launched in Al Mastabah region in the presence of the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud, South Korean Ambassador to Jordan Kim Pil-woo and KOICA Country Director Kim So-young, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The initiative will rehabilitate ageing water distribution systems in six areas - Mastaba, Umm Rumaneh, Marsa, Jubbah, Al Rayah and Talat Al Razz- as part of Jordan's 2023-2040 water sector strategy and broader economic modernisation efforts. "This project will improve water supply, reduce network stress, and ensure more equitable access through a shift to gravity-based flow systems," said Abul Saud. "It will also extend the life of the infrastructure while improving efficiency and reducing operating costs." Key components of the project include the installation of 81 kilometres of polyethene pipes in various diameters, 15,000 household water connections and 600 metres of pipeline. The work will also include pressure control systems, advanced flow meters and the replacement of pumping stations and key water infrastructure in several areas of the northern region. The Korean diplomat described the initiative as a "critical step" in addressing Jordan's growing water challenges. "Water and irrigation have always been a core pillar of Korea's development partnership with Jordan," he said. The 730-day project is expected to improve access to water and the quality of service for residents in the region.
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. (
