Jordan, USAID launch workshop on National Water Carrier preparatory infrastructure
Speaking at the event, Abu Soud stressed that Jordan is facing increasing water scarcity, exacerbated by a weak rainfall season and the growing impact of climate change.
Despite these pressures, he said, the ministry remains committed to ensuring the delivery of water to citizens throughout the Kingdom.
The National Water Carrier Project is Jordan's largest infrastructure project and one of the most ambitious internationally. It involves constructing a large-scale desalination plant in Aqaba, with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic metres.
The project will feature a state-of-the-art seawater intake system along the Gulf of Aqaba, paired with a cutting-edge reverse osmosis plant to convert seawater into potable water.
It will also include a 450-kilometre water transmission system to Amman, along with high-capacity pumping stations and renewable energy components. It aims to generate 31 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Abu Soud noted that the preparatory infrastructure project involves constructing transmission lines and primary storage tanks in Amman and the northern governorates.
These are designed to support the eventual integration of additional water resources from the National Water Carrier Project, a major strategic initiative to bolster Jordan's water security, the minister said.
Abu Soud expressed appreciation for USAID's 'long-standing' partnership with Jordan's water sector, which has spanned over 75 years.
He highlighted recent achievements, including a 7.5 per cent reduction in water loss bringing the national loss rate to 46.2 per cent and a savings of around 15 million cubic meters of water, contributing to improved supply in multiple governorates.
King commended the project's progress and reiterated USAID's commitment to supporting Jordan's water sector.
She stressed the urgency of preparing the infrastructure to ensure timely and effective water delivery once the carrier project becomes operational.
The year 2030 may seem distant, but it is not, she said, noting the importance of addressing challenges now to secure future water availability.
© Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
Aqaba Container Terminal reports strong growth in first half of 2025
Aqaba, Jordan – Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the preferred Gateway to Jordan, the Levant, and beyond, announced exceptional operational results for the first half of 2025, demonstrating robust growth across all key performance indicators. ACT delivered high performance during the first six months of 2025, handling a total of 468,062 TEUs, representing a 24% increase compared to 377,456 TEUs in the same period of 2024. This strong momentum was further demonstrated in June 2025, where the terminal handled 80,172 TEUs, marking a 14.9% increase over the 69,759 TEUs handled in June 2024. The terminal's operational excellence extended well beyond container volumes, as ACT efficiently served 293 vessels during the first half of the year compared to 200 vessels in the corresponding period of 2024. Complementing this vessel activity, ACT processed 281,585 truck transactions compared to 216,071 truck transactions during the same period last year, facilitating seamless cargo flow to and from Jordan and neighboring countries. We continue to see positive trends for transit cargo via ACT over last year. This positive growth underscores ACT's expanding role as a regional hub for the Levant, connecting Jordan to broader regional trade networks and reinforcing its position as the preferred gateway for the region. "These results reflect not only the strength of Jordan's trade position but also the exceptional dedication of our entire ACT team," said Harald Nijhof, Chief Executive Officer of Aqaba Container Terminal. "I want to personally thank every ACT employee for their hard work, commitment, and unwavering dedication to operational excellence. Their efforts have been instrumental in achieving these numbers and positioning ACT as the region's preferred gateway." Mr. Nijhof further emphasized the strategic significance of these results, noting that "the 24% growth in our first-half performance demonstrates our strategic importance as a regional hub. We remain committed to supporting Jordan's economic growth and strengthening supply chains across the Levant through continued investment in our infrastructure and our people." Looking ahead, ACT continues to focus on delivering reliable service, strengthening supply chains, and supporting national and regional trade through operational excellence and strategic infrastructure investment. The terminal's strong performance positions it well to capitalize on growing regional trade opportunities while maintaining its commitment to service excellence and supporting the economic development of Jordan and the broader Levant region.
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Kenya looks to privatise state assets to draw private-sector investments, says President Ruto
Kenya is planning to privatise some state assets via initial public offerings in order to bring in more private sector investment, President William Ruto said in remarks at the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The government plans to start with listing the Kenya Pipeline Company via an IPO on the Nairobi Securities Exchange this year, Ruto said. "We are committed to a structured, time-sensitive programme that identifies and prepares a robust pipeline of key government assets to be privatised through the stock exchange or improved through private sector participation," he said. Ruto also said that well-functioning domestic capital markets could reduce reliance on external debt. Kenya has been seeking new sources of funding since deadly nationwide protests last summer forced it to pursue austerity measures and scrap planned tax hikes worth more than 346 billion Kenyan shillings ($2.68 billion). Separately, at the Africa Debate event later on Wednesday, Ruto said that following shocks such as U.S. President Donald Trump's elimination of USAID this year, Kenya is working to rely on its own resources, and private investments, rather than "resources that we do not have any control over." He cited plans to partner with the private sector to provide hospital equipment on a fee-per-use basis and said Kenya had raised $1.3 billion by securitising assets such as roads to raise funding. "We are now going to be listing some of those bonds in the securities exchange so other investors can have a bite of the cherry," he said. ($1 = 128.9500 Kenyan shillings) (Reporting by Libby George; editing by Karin Strohecker and Joe Bavier)
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Fine Hygienic Holding honored as Founding Member of The UN Global Compact Network Jordan
Amman, Jordan – Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world's leading wellness groups and hygienic paper manufacturers, was recently honored by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Jordan at its inaugural annual breakfast and general assembly meeting. This distinguished recognition celebrates FHH's significant role as a founding member of the network and its ongoing contributions to corporate sustainability. Established in 2007, the UNGC Network Jordan was founded by a select group of pioneering companies, with Fine Hygienic Holding among them. Since its inception, FHH has played a pivotal role, serving on the network board and actively contributing to its growth, which now brings together over 60 members. Osama Abu Ragheb, Jordan Supply Chain Director at Fine Hygienic Holding, expressed deep gratitude for the acknowledgment, stating, 'We are honored by this recognition. At Fine Hygienic Holding, we firmly believe in the critical role sustainability plays in shaping a responsible future, and we are committed to advancing it at the grassroots level. We are here to lead by example, helping companies across Jordan bring sustainability to the heart of their operations.' The UN Global Compact Country Networks, such as the UNGC Network Jordan, support local businesses in implementing the Ten Principles of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Leveraging regional expertise, they guide companies in adopting responsible practices tailored to local contexts. Fine Hygienic Holding continues to align its operations with the UN SDGs. Earlier this year, the group received EcoVadis Commitment Badge, a 'B' Score from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and CHEP's Excellence in Sustainability Certificate. These recognitions, along with FHH's foundational support and ongoing active participation, underscore its commitment to fostering a sustainable business environment in Jordan and the region.
