'2nd conference on mobilising support for National Water Carrier Project planned for year-end'

AMMAN — A second conference could be held to mobilise further support for the  National Water Carrier Project  (Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Transport Project), amid the "aggravating" consequences of the Ukraine-Russia crisis, particularly the cost and prices-related impacts, according to an official source.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, forecasted that the second round would take place by the end of the year, noting that holding the event will be through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, in coordination with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.

The work schedule of the National Water Carrier Project is proceeding in accordance with the plan with no delays reported, the source noted, adding that the technical and financial offers for the project will be received as scheduled, next September.

The assessment of the technical and financial offers for the carrier project is completed within three months after receipt, to identify the "preferred developer".

The Aqaba-Amman desalination and water transport project is a strategic project and a top priority to provide the Kingdom's population of 11 million with drinking water, according to the government.

The project envisages providing about 300 million cubic metres of desalinated water annually. 

The National Carrier Project includes an intake plant to be based on the southern shore of Aqaba, a desalination and pumping station in Aqaba, and a 450-kilometre pipeline, according to the government.

The total cost of the National Water Carrier Project is estimated at $2.5 billion.

There is currently $800 million of grants and government contributions to the project, in addition to financing and concessional loans from several financing institutions of around $1 billion and the rest is from the developers that will build on the BOT basis, according to the government.