Water Ministry signs 42.5m euros agreement for major rehabilitation project in Irbid

AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Muhammad Najjar on Sunday signed an agreement with Metito Company to rehabilitate and increase the capacities of the Central Irbid Wastewater Treatment Plant (Faura) and the Wadi Al-Arab Wastewater Treatment Plant (Dogra) with a total value of 42.5 million euros. 

Najjar said that the project, funded by a loan from the German Development Bank (KfW), aims to cut greenhouse emissions by 6,600 metric tonnes annually and provide 10 million cubic metres of treated water, in addition to reducing energy costs, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister pointed out that all the facilities of the Central Irbid Wastewater Treatment Plant will be rehabilitated according to the highest standards, noting that the project entails sludge condensation, the deployment of centrifugal technology, the installation of anaerobic digesters, SCADA and odour control systems.

He noted that the treated water will be supplied to irrigated areas in the Jordan Valley via a 700mm diameter pipeline, while the expected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be about 2,200 metric tonnes per year.

According to the minister, works at the Wadi Al Arab Wastewater Treatment Plant (Dogra) will help provide 27,000 cubic metres of treated water annually and reduce emissions by 4,400 metric tonnes.

Najjar added that the scheme will reduce energy consumption, where the plant will serve some 350,000 residents in various areas of Irbid, mainly in the villages of the northern, southern and western areas of the Irbid governorate and adjacent areas.