Water Ministry approves 97.24 Million Euro project for Deir Alla, Karama water networks rehabilitation

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Thursday approved an agreement for the seventh package of the Deir Alla and Karama water networks rehabilitation project in the Jordan Valley, valued at 97.24 million euros.

The project, funded through a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and supplemented by self-financing measures, was announced in a ministry statement, as reported by the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The signing ceremony was held in Amman and attended by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud, EIB Representative Souad Farsi and Water and Environment Office Director for USAID Andrew McKim.

The ministry explained that this project’s design, studies, and supervision are fully sponsored by a USAID grant, and aims to bolster water supply across 17 areas in the Deir Alla and Karama districts. It also involves seven packages devised to minimise water loss, ensure equitable drinking water distribution, and reduce operational costs.

Abu Saud said that this project aligns with the ministry's strategy to expedite the development of new water networks, in a bid to address the increasing demand. It also seeks to enhance water services by introducing natural flow pumping, anticipating improved network durability, and increasing supply efficiency and more equitable water distribution.

He also outlined the project's specifications, detailing the construction of pipelines and distribution networks spanning 450 kilometres, along with the establishment of a primary pumping station. This station is designed to efficiently deliver water to mountainous regions, and is equipped with three pumping units, including one for emergencies, and three additional smaller stations.

The minister expressed gratitude for the support from the European Union, USAID, and EIB, and highlighted their crucial role in funding essential water and sanitation projects.

EIB Representative expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing and constructive collaboration with the Kingdom's water sector, underscoring the bank's commitment to further enhance water provision to local communities.