US, Jordan sign $165 million water assistance agreement

AMMAN — The US signed a $165 million water assistance agreement with Jordan on Monday, according to a statement released by the US embassy.

The funds will assist the government over the next five years with infrastructure development, water sector reform, water management and conservation, and outreach programmes at the household, institutional and industrial levels. 

US Ambassador to Jordan Stuart E. Jones signed the agreement with Water Ministry Secretary General Basem Tulfah in Aqaba.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Jones noted that the US has invested more of its assistance in the Kingdom’s water sector than in any other sector.  

Since 2000, US assistance in the water sector has reached nearly $700 million, according to the US embassy.

During his visit to the port city, Jones also donated a $183,000 “scan van” to Jordan Customs Department (JCD) Director General Munther Assaf. 

The donation was made possible by the US Government’s Export Control and Border Security Programme, the statement said.  

The van will assist JCD efforts to detect illegally trafficked items. 

In addition, the ambassador inspected equipment that is part of the US Container Security Initiative (CSI).  

Launched in January 2002, the CSI is aimed at securing maritime cargo shipments, facilitating trade and encouraging investment.  

Jones recognised the government for its “significant progress” as it continues to enhance its export control system, the statement said.  

Over the past several years, the United States has provided more than “$14 million in assistance with expertise, equipment, training, and software to support Jordan’s border security, export controls and non-proliferation efforts through the Export Control and Related Border Security Programme”. 

Later on Monday, Jones met with Aqaba alumni of the US-sponsored English Access Microscholarship Programme.  

The programme teaches English language skills to talented 14- to 18-year-olds from underserved communities.  

In cooperation with the government of Jordan, the programme has awarded scholarships to nearly 3,500 Jordanian high school students from underserved areas to help them improve their English through classes and an annual summer camp.