The World Bank anticipates awarding major contracts for the Water Efficiency Project during 2026.
The Water Efficiency Project targets saving 7 million cubic meters annually and serving 1.6 million beneficiaries.
$7.71 million spent from the Water Efficiency Project with a total value of $303 million.
Khaberni - A recent report by the World Bank shows an improvement in the pace of implementation of the water sector efficiency project in Jordan, which is valued at over $300 million, with expectations to award additional key contracts during 2026, as part of efforts aimed at improving water service efficiency, enhancing water security, reducing water loss, and lowering energy consumption.
The performance and outcome monitoring report issued by the bank explains that the World Bank team conducted discussions with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the Water Authority of Jordan, Jordan Valley Authority, and water companies during March and April, noting an average improvement in the speed of implementation and procurement processes recently, with several consultancy contracts awarded, and expecting more significant contracts to be awarded this year, according to the Kingdom.
The project, which began in 2023 and continues until the end of 2028, aims to improve water service efficiency in Jordan by reducing water loss, enhancing energy efficiency in the sector, and strengthening drought management and water security measures.
The total cost of the project is approximately $303.24 million, including $200 million from the World Bank, $50 million from a trust fund, and an additional $53.24 million in co-financing. According to the report, the actual spending pace has been limited so far, with $7.71 million spent from the World Bank loan and $1.81 million from the trust fund, while co-financing spending has not yet started.
The World Bank rates progress towards achieving the project objectives as "moderately satisfactory," while the overall implementation progress remains "moderately unsatisfactory," continuing to rate the overall project risk at the medium level.
According to the report, by 2028, the project aims to save approximately 7 million cubic meters of water annually by reducing losses in networks, rehabilitating or replacing 1500 kilometers of water networks and reservoirs, and establishing or improving 90 water measurement and isolation areas to monitor losses and enhance network management.
It also aims to reduce electricity consumption in the water sector by 60 gigawatt-hours annually and add 25 megawatts of renewable energy projects, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 35,000 tons annually of carbon dioxide equivalent.
In terms of water security, the project aims to operate four main components of the drought management system, issue 12 annual drought and water availability reports, adopt three annual water allocation plans among different sectors, prepare two drought emergency plans, and complete three studies for dam rehabilitation.
The report notes that the project aims to improve water services for about 1.6 million beneficiaries by 2028, by enhancing the available water quantities, supply hours, and response to complaints.
Concerning implementation, the World Bank clarifies that most of the key technical indicators are still in their early stages, however, the project has made some progress, including training and certifying the first 20 women within the plumber training program, as well as developing, approving, and operating a dam risk classification tool.
