Project inaugurated to enhance water supplies to Amman, Zarqa

AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Wednesday inaugurated the Hallabat Water Conveyance Project, a “strategic” infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing water supply in Amman and Zarqa.

The project, funded by the US government, seeks to boost national water supply and expand the capacity to meet growing demand, particularly in Amman and Zarqa, with a total investment of $50 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Abu Soud expressed his gratitude to the US government for its “generous and continued” support to the water sector, stressing the importance of strategic investments in this field.

The minister described the project as “vital” to enhancing water supply, providing 30 million cubic metres annually through the rehabilitation and drilling of 25 wells in the Hallabat well field.

He said that the additional supply will help reduce the water deficit and meet the needs of around 820,000 people in the governorates of Amman and Zarqa.

Abu Soud noted that the project will also provide extra quantities to other areas, as part of the ministry's broader efforts under the National Water Strategy to reduce water loss and improve supply.

He added that efforts are ongoing to secure new water sources, increase the efficiency of supply and operational systems, and rehabilitate existing resources to ensure additional water reaches most regions across the Kingdom.

US Chargé d’Affaires Rohit Nepal stressed the US government’s commitment to partnering with Jordan in its pursuit of a more water-secure future, referring to ongoing efforts to enhance Jordan’s water security by reducing water loss.

The project was completed in a “record” time of eight months and involved the rehabilitation, drilling, and development of 25 wells in the Hallabat field, Petra said.

The venture is considered a “successful” model of effective emergency response to the challenges of water scarcity in Jordan.

It highlights how international partnerships, especially with the US government, along with advanced technology and improved infrastructure, can collectively contribute to meeting citizens’ needs and advancing national water security goals, Petra added.