Yarmouk Water Company, USAID sign $16.5 deal to reduce water loss

AMMAN — The Yarmouk Water Company and USAID on Monday signed a $16.5 million support agreement to reduce water losses by implementing network development projects in the company's operational areas.

The company's Director-General, Hassan Hazaimeh, and USAID Mission Director Sherry Carlin signed the agreement in the presence of the Minister of Water and Irrigation Mohammad Najjar, according to a Water Ministry statement.

The agreement is intended to finance the third phase of the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) project to reduce water loss, with a $15 million contribution from USAID and $1.5 million to be covered by the Yarmouk Water Company.

The agreement aims to reduce water loss over a period of four years, especially in Irbid, Mafraq, Jerash and Ajloun. To prevent losses, the agreement outlines a plan to maintain networks, improve billing efficiency and strengthen the project management capabilities of technical personnel in line with the country’s strategic water loss reduction goals.

Najjar indicated that the implementation of the third phase will save about 3 million cubic metres annually. The minister also referenced a national plan to reduce water waste by 1-2 per cent annually, to reach 25 per cent by 2040.

He commended the effective partnership with USAID and its ongoing support for the water sector, which has enabled the sector to address various challenges.

For his part, Hazaimeh praised the agency's support in strengthening the company's efforts to reduce water losses by increasing the efficiency of water networks and resources, improving their management, curbing illegal water use and switching to the monthly meter reading system currently in force.