2022 ‘worst year’ for Jordan’s water sector — minister

AMMAN — This year is shaping up to be “the worst” for Jordan’s water sector, according to Water Minister Mohammad Al Najjar. 

Speaking to The Jordan Times in an exclusive interview, Najjar said that Jordan’s per capita share of water currently stands at 90 cubic metres per year, which is only 10 per cent of the water poverty line and 97.5 per cent lower when compared with Jordan’s per capita water share of 3,600 m3/year in 1946. (See full report on page 3) 

Dwindling water supplies amid a growing population coupled with the influx of refugees, lower than forecast precipitation and higher evaporation due to rising temperatures, as well as increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfalls are all factors that have lowered Jordan’s per capita share of water to reach less than one-tenth of the water poverty line of 1,000 m3 per person per year, he said. 

“We expect the per capita share of water to witness a further drop as a result of climate change and its implications coupled with other factors,” Najjar said.