Khaberni - The Cabinet decided in its session held today, Tuesday, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, to approve the grant document for the desalination and water transfer project from Aqaba to Amman (the national water carrier) with the US government valued at 203 million dollars, as part of the government's efforts to commence the implementation of this strategic project, which is considered one of the most significant major projects for the kingdom that boosts growth and development and provides economic and employment opportunities.
The National Water Carrier project is the third-largest water project in the region, where the government continues to execute its phases to be completed within four years, aimed at securing 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water from Aqaba, enhancing Jordan's water security. It is expected that the procedures for the financial closure, expected to be completed within weeks, will be finalized, paving the way for the commencement of construction works on this project.
On another note, the Cabinet reviewed the progress of the Executive Program for the Waste Reduction Strategy and the prevention of random waste disposal for the year 2026.
Environment Minister Dr. Ayman Sulaiman presented significant achievements within the Executive Program since the beginning of this year, where 165 cleaning campaigns were launched targeting parks and public places not covered by municipal services, involving about 15,000 young men and women from universities, schools, employees, citizens, and others, coordinated with many governmental and official institutions, and civil society organizations, which helped collect more than 90 tons of waste.
He revealed that about 30,000 reusable bags were distributed in vehicles for waste collection purposes, in areas of Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Petra, Ma'an, Ajloun, Madaba, and Aqaba, in addition to distributing thousands of metal and plastic containers, and other designated containers for waste sorting in several schools, and installing metal baskets on some vital roads, among other activities carried out.
He pointed out that one day per week was allocated for each municipality to conduct cleaning campaigns with community participation throughout the execution period of the program, in addition to preparing a plan for the Eid al-Fitr period, targeting tourist and picnic sites frequented by citizens during the holiday break.
He also mentioned the ongoing monitoring of violations under the laws and regulations, by the Traffic Management and the Royal Environmental Protection Administration, alongside continuing to receive complaints via the hotline and the specialized electronic system for reporting any violations in this regard.
