Latest news with #RaedAbulSaud
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Water minister, US official discuss cooperation on Jordan's water challenges
AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud met on Sunday with Acting Chargé d'Affaires Peter Shea to discuss key challenges facing the Kingdom's water sector and the ongoing efforts to implement sustainable water projects that ensure effective access to water resources. According to a ministry statement, AbulSaud stressed the importance of joint cooperation with donor countries, praising the "significant" support provided by the United States to Jordan, especially amid the "increasing" pressure on the Kingdom's water resources. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan mulls increasing gas supplies to Syria, in cooperation with Egypt, Qatar
AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh and Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud on Wednesday held talks with Syrian Minister of Energy Mohammad Bashir to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and water. The meeting, held at the Energy Ministry headquarters, focused on strengthening regional integration, rehabilitating shared infrastructure and promoting sustainable development between the two neighbouring countries. Kharabsheh said that, in line with directives from His Majesty King Abdullah, Jordan has been supplying Syria with Qatari natural gas through the Arab Gas Pipeline since the early stages of coordination. The minister also said that the two sides discussed increasing the volume of gas exported to Syria, in cooperation with Egypt and Qatar, to support electricity generation in the country. The ministers also highlighted Jordan's expertise in managing electricity distribution and petroleum products, with Syrian officials expressing interest in benefiting from Jordanian experience. Talks also covered plans to raise the electricity interconnection capacity between Jordan and Syria from 250 megawatts to 300 megawatts, alongside the rehabilitation of transmission lines with support from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the International Monetary Fund. The minister also said that agreements were signed with private sector partners to invest in renewable energy projects in Syria, as part of a broader effort to expand the use of clean energy in both countries, adding that a joint action plan was outlined to guide cooperation in technical and strategic areas in the coming months. For his part, Al Bashir emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation, particularly in expanding gas supplies, rehabilitating electrical networks and establishing regional electricity connectivity. Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud also discussed with the Syrian delegation the pressing water challenges, including the declining water levels in the Yarmouk River Basin and the Wihdeh Dam. The two sides agreed to form a technical committee to review the 1987 water-sharing agreement and explore updates to address current conditions. Abul Saud and Al Bashir also noted that unregulated well drilling on the Syrian side of the Yarmouk River, which had significantly reduced inflows into the Unity Dam and the Jordan River, has now been halted as part of joint efforts to address the water crisis. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Jordan: Network upgrades save $160mln, 20m cubic metres of water in 2024
AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud on Tuesday said that the government, through its water sector institutions, has set ambitious plans to address the Kingdom's water challenges, upgrade networks, and curb violations. Abul Saud noted that the ongoing network upgrades saved approximately JD114 million and around 20 million cubic metres of potable water for citizens in 2024, according to a ministry statement. The minister also stressed that reducing water loss remains a top priority, achieved through cooperation with the local private sector, the first initiative of its kind in the region. "The partnership has contributed to a 7.5 per cent reduction in water loss in recent years, bringing the national rate down to below 46 per cent," he said, adding that this surpasses the two-year reduction target of 2 per cent, with an annual improvement of around 3 per cent. The minister also said that pilot projects in certain areas, including Aqaba and parts of the capital, have achieved water loss levels close to international standards. He also noted that the causes of water loss are well-defined, with technical losses, including malfunctions and ageing infrastructure, accounting for about 30 per cent, while administrative losses, mainly violations and illegal usage, make up around 70 per cent. In 2024, the government's enforcement efforts led to the confiscation of eight illegal drilling rigs, the removal of 58 violations on public land in the Jordan Valley, and the confiscation of 98 violations at the Al Kahraba Samra Station, the statement said. Additionally, authorities sealed 109 illegal wells and removed 2,976 violations along the King Abdullah Canal, one of the Kingdom's primary water sources. Across various regions, over 16,225 violations on main and secondary water lines were addressed, and 103 cases were referred to the judiciary. These actions contributed to conserving an estimated 20 million cubic metres of water and improved the efficiency of supply in affected areas. Abul Saud also highlighted the sector's increased reliance on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to manage and distribute water, citing a pilot AI project implemented in a part of Amman to operate and oversee the water network. Additionally, network upgrades have been carried out across 10 areas in Amman, covering 110 kilometres. He also said that water loss reduction projects have now reached 22 per cent of subscribers in the capital, serving around one million citizens. These initiatives have reduced energy consumption by 54 per cent, brought water loss in the targeted areas down to about 15 per cent, and saved nearly 6.5 million cubic metres of water, he said. The minister also highlighted the deployment of mobile units equipped with advanced electronic systems to detect leaks and respond to complaints directly, using best practices and standards adopted by advanced countries. Abul Saud noted that the cost of water per cubic metre has dropped to around JD1.93 in 2024, though the deficit per cubic metre remains at JD0.80. He also said monthly water bills have generated greater public satisfaction, reflecting improved awareness of water conservation and helping ensure consistent bill payments, similar to other services such as electricity and telecommunications. The minister also noted that objections to the bill values decreased to less than 60 per cent by the end of 2024. "Through widespread awareness campaigns, communication efforts, and consumer surveys by water companies, cases of water waste on rooftops and in streets have seen a significant decline compared to previous years," he added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan faces world's worst water shortage, says water minister
AMMAN — Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud. Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic. 'Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,' he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan's water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades. He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom. Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state's budgetary burden. Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan's ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades. By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added. Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits. Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan's key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports. In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added. In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman's Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister. Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added. In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs. The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation. Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan faces world's worst water shortage
A view of the King Talal Dam in Jerash, some 50km north of Amman (File photo) AMMAN — Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud. Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic. 'Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,' he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan's water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades. He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom. Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state's budgetary burden. Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan's ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades. By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added. Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits. Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan's key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports. In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added. In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman's Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister. Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added. In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs. The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation. Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders.
