By Hana Namrouqa

AMMAN - Zarqa sewer networks will undergo renovations following an agreement recently signed by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.

The ministry signed a $2.6 million agreement with US-based company Montgomery Watson Harza on Thursday to pave the way for the rehabilitation and construcation of sewer networks in Zarqa and Ruseifa.

"The two areas are targeted because they are densely populated and their sewage pipelines are witnessing increasing pressure, necessitating the revamp of the networks," Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud said in a press statement.

According to the deal, the latter will prepare a feasibility study, cost estimation and designs for the improvement and expansion of sewage networks as well as the construction of wastewater plants.

Abu Saud noted that the $1.1 million first phase of the project entails estimating the venture's cost, environmental and social feasibility studies and developing initial designs.

Under the second phase, the minister added, the company will prepare the detailed designs of the project, carry out an environmental impact assessment and float a tender for its implementation within 12 months at a cost of $1.5 million.

The project, implemented through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, seeks to address environmental problems in Zarqa and conserve water, particularly underground sources, from contamination, Abu Saud said.

The minister attributed the contamination of the area’s water sources to the deterioration of sewage networks, which are under pressure due to expanding sewer services and increased amounts of treated water used for irrigation.