JVA Holds Workshop on Safeguarding Water Resources in Jordan Valley.

Amman: A national workshop organized by the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) kicked off in Amman to discuss strategies for safeguarding water resources in the Jordan Valley and strengthening national efforts in addressing the escalating challenges facing the water sector. The workshop, attended by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud, highlighted the significant challenges confronting Jordan's water sector. The minister underscored the urgency of tackling water scarcity and the growing impacts of climate change, noting that repeated violations against water sources pose a major obstacle to ensuring water supply for citizens and farmers. According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Soud emphasized that the National Water Carrier Project is a strategic initiative aligned with the royal vision to bolster water security, as it will provide additional volumes to meet various needs. The national water strategy also includes strengthening effective management of available resources while enhancing water use efficien cy, whether through technological projects or in partnership with national and international institutions. Abu Saud praised both public and private institutions' role in supporting the ministry's efforts and enforcing the law to ensure the protection of water resources for future generations. From his side, Frank O'Brien, Director of the Water Conservation Project, reaffirmed the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) support for Jordan's water sector through vital project funding aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving water resource management. He commended the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Water and the JVA. O'Brien explained that USAID-funded projects are designed to enhance water sustainability and strengthen national capabilities in resource protection, contributing to the development of a more efficient and sustainable water sector for the future. Amman's Attorney General, Hasan Abdallat, said that water security and the protection of water resources is a co llective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of all parties. This starts with raising public awareness about the importance of preserving water sources, preventing illegal encroachments, and encouraging citizens to report violations. He elaborated that these efforts also involve the role of law enforcement and relevant personnel in pursuing violations, along with the crucial role of the Public Prosecution in apprehending violators and referring them to the judiciary to ensure both general and private deterrence. These measures aim to protect vital water resources and secure their sustainability for future generations. Hisham Hisa, JVA Secretary-General, outlined the JVA's role in water management and agricultural development in the Jordan Valley. Since its establishment in 1977, the JVA has been in charge of overseeing and developing water resources, including the management of 16 major dams and the King Abdullah Canal water distribution system. Hisa pointed out that climate change and sediment ac cumulation present additional challenges, reducing the actual storage capacity of dams, which impacts their ability to retain rainwater and surface runoff. He noted that the water system in the Jordan Valley suffers from water losses of up to 27% of the total flow, attributed to physical leakage and administrative losses due to unauthorized usage. He highlighted that water loss from the King Abdullah Canal amounted to approximately 48 million cubic meters in 2021, sufficient to meet the needs of a governorate the size of Balqa for an entire year. The participants underscored the importance of continuing to hold such workshops, which provide a platform for constructive dialogue on challenges and allow experts and officials to exchange ideas on protecting water resources, especially given Jordan's critical water situation.