Khaberni - March witnessed the signing of financing agreements and international grants to support the "National Carrier" water project, with a value of approximately 233 million dollars, distributed between the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, in the context of accelerating the execution of Jordan’s strategic project.
The government, through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, signed a grant agreement with the United States government valued at 203 million dollars to finance the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and transportation project, within the Development Goals Agreement for the years 2020-2025.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the British government valued at 5.3 million British pounds to support the "National Carrier" project, in the context of international partners supporting Jordan's efforts in enhancing its water security.
In the same context, the government signed an additional grant agreement with the German government valued at 22 million euros during March, to finance the project, bringing the total German grants provided for this project to 127 million euros.
The project aims to provide long-term solutions to the acute water scarcity crisis in Jordan, by supplying 300 million cubic meters of drinking water annually, covering about 40% of Jordan's water needs starting from 2030.
The National Water Carrier project has reached advanced stages of financial closure, according to the government.
The project consists of a water desalination plant in Aqaba with a capacity of 300 million cubic meters per year, a water carrier system stretching 438 kilometers to pump desalinated water from Aqaba to Amman and other governorates, and a renewable energy system through a solar power station with a capacity of 281 megawatts.
The project seeks to alleviate pressure on depleted groundwater resources, support the recovery of water basins, and enhance the water sector's resilience against climate change and population growth.
The project is classified as a national priority due to its importance in providing a reliable and sustainable long-term water solution, addressing the water deficit for domestic uses, and supporting economic development.
In February, the government signed a financing agreement with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development valued at 58 million Kuwaiti dinars (about 189 million dollars), to support the electric grid extension project for the National Water Carrier, as part of boosting developmental cooperation.
The agreement forms part of the partnership strategy for the years 2025-2029, supporting the energy, water, and development sectors, where the financing will help provide stable electric supply for the project and enhance the network's capacity to absorb more energy, including renewable sources.
