Water projects worth $22 million for Syrian refugees, host communities launched in north

AMMAN — Water Minister Raed Abu Soud, in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Okuyama Jiro, on Tuesday inaugurated the urgent improvement programme projects for the water sector for communities hosting Syrian refugees in the northern governorates in their 2nd phase in Hawara and Sarih areas. 

The projects are fully funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at a value of approximately $22 million, to improve the water supply in Irbid, under the supervision of the consultant, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNPOS), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In his opening remarks, Abu Soud said that the projects serve the northern governorates to strengthen the Yarmouk Water Company’s capabilities, which provides services to four governorates with around 300,000 subscribers.

Abu Soud added that the projects included renovation of water networks in Hawara and Sarih, which include household connections and networks to serve new areas.

The minister noted that the projects will improve water supply in all beneficiary areas, reduce the rate of water loss, provide sufficient quantities of portable water to citizens and improve the quality of services.

He pointed out that this process coincides with the renovation of the main and subsidiary water lines and home connections, and implementing new supply systems, as part of the National Water Strategy to Reduce Water Loss and Improve Supply.

The minister conveyed the government's gratitude and appreciation for the continued support from Japan, through JICA, which would enhance Yarmouk Water Company's capabilities and mitigate pressures of the refugee crisis in host communities.

The Japanese ambassador praised the Kingdom's efforts in helping refugees and host communities, noting that Japan has supported several projects that were completed in 2015 and provided an additional grant for this project to enhance water supplies in Hawara and Sarih.