Khaberni - MP Ismail Al-Mashaqbeh revealed drilling operations of wells for the benefit of officials in violation without any role for the Ministry of Water.
Al-Mashaqbeh, responding to Water Minister Raed Abu Saud's comments about the ministry's debt nearing 5 billion dinars, stated that the minister has held the same position more than once and has known for years about the problems facing Jordan in the water sector, questioning where his plans were to solve them.
He noted that the Water Minister has held the water portfolio at various previous stages, during multiple periods since 2005, making him responsible for a significant part of the period that witnessed debt accumulation instead of addressing it."
He added that current indicators point to a failure in managing the sector, questioning the programs and plans that were put in place over those years to alleviate water crises, during a time when the debt increased instead of decreasing.
In his remarks, Al-Mashaqbeh referred to statements about the possibility of raising water costs to reach two dinars or two dinars and twenty piastres per meter, considering such proposals as placing an additional burden on the Jordanian citizen and provoking him on a basic issue related to his daily life.
He continued that talking about water tankers turning into a luxury for citizens is unacceptable, stating that what is required are realistic solutions and executive programs to address the water scarcity crisis, not statements that increase public anxiety.
He considered that the radical change required in the water sector begins with a change at the top of the ministry's hierarchy and reevaluating its current management and changing the minister himself, as he does not possess any ability or set firm plans to solve the water scarcity issue since he took office until today.
He also pointed to files related to violations in water well drilling, calling for stricter oversight and not overlooking any transgressions, regardless of the position of their owners.
