Amman: Ministry of Water and Irrigation-Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) on Sunday received a number of rainwater harvesting sites nationwide. The projects were implemented in two phases through the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM), with a storage capacity of 2.1 million cubic meters.
According to Jordan News Agency, during the handover ceremony of the projects, Minister of Water, Raed Abu Soud, emphasized the ministry's efforts to implement national visions to optimize rainwater collection and increase storage capacity. This initiative aligns with the strategic plan (2023-2024) and the Economic Modernization Vision. Abu Soud highlighted that the system of Jordan's dams and rainwater harvesting sites contributes to improving living conditions, the environment, and creating job opportunities, especially in agriculture, livestock breeding, and tourism investments, which aim to reduce poverty and unemployment in neighboring areas.
Abu Soud detailed the ministry's plans to expand water harvesting in areas with potential rainfall, indicating that launching a dialogue on harvesting policies is based on national priorities, enhancing community participation, and empowering women and youth for sustainable future water management. He stated the importance of implementing dams and rainwater catchment projects amid recent climate changes, aiming to reduce desertification and address challenges facing Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and INWRDAM.
This effort underscores the government's interest in implementing vital projects that provide new water resources, improve the environmental situation, and replenish groundwater with high-quality water in various regions. Abu Soud highlighted the significant impact of these catchments on rehabilitating agricultural and pastoral lands, creating an attractive environment for livestock breeding, and providing job opportunities for youth and local residents, thereby achieving local development.
The minister noted that the collected water will be utilized for irrigation and drinking purposes in neighboring areas, providing new resources and increasing the availability of current quantities. INWRDAM Director, Dr. Marwan Raqad, emphasized the importance of water harvesting projects in combating climate change effects. Raqad mentioned that 70 water harvesting sites have been implemented, providing 280 jobs and supporting 120 farms and three field schools, benefiting 120,000 citizens.
Furthermore, water has been provided to 70,000 trees and 87,000 heads of sheep, and 1,200 training opportunities have been created, with the participation of 1,800 university students. Six female journalists were trained on environmental media. Netherlands Ambassador to Jordan, Stella Kluth, highlighted the importance of the Jordanian-Dutch partnership in addressing shared water challenges and developing programs to improve ecosystems, provide job opportunities, and enhance local communities' conditions. The continued Dutch support for Jordan includes addressing water and climate challenges and transferring modern technology.
Farmers and participants shared their experiences on the impact of water harvesting in improving production and quality of agricultural products.