$30m from USAID to go to projects to reduce water loss

AMMAN — The USAID will grant Jordan $30 million under an agreement signed Wednesday to decrease water loss in Zarqa, Madaba and Aqaba, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Water Minister Hazem Nasser and USAID Mission Director Jim Barnhart signed the agreement.

Nasser said the governorates were chosen upon specific technical standards, including the number of complaints and previous projects.

He noted that the grant follows a similar one presented last year to the Jordan Water Company — Miyahuna to enhance efforts to reduce water loss, develop supply and improve the quality of services.

During the last few years, water loss reached record levels as a result of ageing infrastructure and violations on water networks and resources, the minister added. 

He said the ministry is working to implement the national water strategy, which aims at reducing water loss to 30 per cent by 2025 and raise the per capita share of drinking water to 105 litres per day.

Studies show that underground water will be depleted in 10 to 15 years if measures are not taken to stop water loss, illegal pumping and develop the use of treated water, Nasser added.

Some 10 per cent of drinking water is lost because of illegal water wells, and more than 75 million cubic metres of water is lost as a result of violations against water networks, which cost the treasury JD200 million, the minister noted.

He thanked the US for its continuous support for Jordan.