Khaberni - Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Al-Saud, confirmed during the parliamentary finance committee's discussion of the state budget, that the water sector in Jordan is globally unmatched, noting that “no other country provides water service to its citizens on a weekly basis,” reflecting the magnitude of the challenge faced by the kingdom.
The minister attributed the water scarcity to several accumulated factors; climate change plays a significant role in this, while population growth and refuge have significantly increased the demand for water, where he affirmed that refuge has raised the demand for water in Jordan.
Regarding resources, Abu Al-Saud reported that the rainfall percentage for the current season did not exceed 5.6%, a low rate that does not meet needs, and the dam reservoirs' levels have only reached 16%.
In terms of cost, he stated that the cost of water extraction is high, and the kingdom's geography causes significant water extraction bills. He also mentioned that water quotas have not yet reached the Yarmouk Basin, announcing that there is an agreement with the Syrian side expected to rejuvenate the northern basins.
Concerning the security challenge, the minister explained that water theft exists and the ministry has been working for two years to stop it, with daily campaigns coordinated with the Public Security Directorate and the Ministry of Interior to control violations on water lines, channels, and dams.
He revealed that 100 violations were observed on the King Abdullah Canal alone, stating that the total stolen amounted to 25 million cubic meters worth approximately 50 million dinars, while the ministry managed to recover nearly a million dinars from thefts.
Regarding the national carrier project, which came by royal directives, it was reported that the tender was awarded to a Swedish investor experienced in Jordan's water sector, among 14 companies that bid for the tender.
The project's cost is 4 billion dinars, and it "does not constitute a light sum on the general budget".
Abu Al-Saud remarked that the financial closing of the project was delayed due to the conflict between the Israeli occupation and Iran, anticipating it to conclude by February next so they can begin implementation.
Currently, negotiations are ongoing with the investor about the price per cubic meter for transporting water to Amman via the carrier.
