Abu Soud, Swiss Ambassador discuss cooperation water projects

AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud and Swiss Ambassador to Amman Emilia Georgieva discussed cooperation efforts in sustainable water projects in Jordan.

Abu Saud stressed that despite Jordan's efforts to enhance water resources, climate change, population growth and the influx of refugees have increased the gap between water demand and its availability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He highlighted the Kingdom's initiatives in sustainable water management, reducing water loss, and implementing integrated energy efficiency programs to reduce the sector's burdens, citing the National Water Transport Project as one of the long-term solutions to confront water challenges in the Kingdom.

The meeting reviewed several projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including a sewage treatment plant in Azraq worth $3 million and a water pumping and distribution system in the village of Al Zubayriyah in the Shobak district worth $1 million.

The meeting also touched on a project in Azraq camp worth $3 million to dig a well, improve the water network, raise water awareness, and enhance environmental and sanitation efforts.

Georgieva praised the ministry's efforts in development, construction, and humanitarian aid to refugees, stressing Jordan's success in managing its limited water resources.

The ambassador also expressed Switzerland's commitment, through the Syrian Democratic Council, to supporting strategic water projects in Jordan.