Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud and Director of the German Development Bank (KfW) office Matthias Schmidt Rosen signed a significant agreement to bolster Jordan's water infrastructure. The agreement, linked to ongoing project arrangements for the National Water Carrier project, underscores the enduring cooperation and support from Germany towards Jordan's water sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, the German contribution comprises a £102 million grant from the German federal government facilitated through KfW. Additionally, £25 million is provided via a debt swap agreement, culminating in a total support package of £127 million. This contribution is part of several grants aimed at addressing the rising demand and climate-related challenges impacting Jordan's water sector.
The National Water Carrier project, operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, seeks to deliver approximately 300 million cubic meters of additional potable water annually to Jordan, starting in 2030. The project involves constructing a desalination plant on the Red Sea and a 450-kilometer pipeline network to distribute desalinated water to Greater Amman and surrounding areas.
Moreover, the initiative includes the integration of solar photovoltaic systems to meet part of its energy demands, thereby reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with Jordan's climate and clean energy objectives. As a cornerstone of Jordan's long-term water strategy, the project is poised to significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of water supplies for households, industries, and agriculture, bolstered by international financing and donor contributions.