Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Soud, emphasized that the National Water Carrier Project is a "water security and national security" initiative, with the government "steadily" advancing its implementation under Royal directives.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting organized by the Jordanian-French Business Club Association and Franco-Jordanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAFRAJ) in Amman, the minister reviewed the challenges facing the Kingdom's water sector, including the decline in the per capita share to less than 60 cubic meters for all uses. In the presence of French and Australian ambassadors to Jordan, Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison and Bernard Lynch, Abu Soud highlighted the importance of securing "sustainable" water sources through this priority project.
Abu Soud also outlined the progress in completing the technical, financial, and legal details necessary for the financial closing procedures and the commencement of the project's implementation by the end of the year, in partnership with the private sector and international bodies. The ministry has developed plans to address the water situation, ensuring citizens' needs are met while making efforts to reduce water loss through various plans and programs to achieve global standards and confront attacks on water resources.
The minister referred to the ongoing Jordanian-French partnership in water and sewage project management. He stated that the meeting aims to provide opportunities for Jordanian, French, and regional companies and institutions to discuss issues in the water sector and allow participants to learn about the Kingdom's water situation, enhancing investment in this field.
Abu Soud lauded France's support and bilateral cooperation in the water sector, noting France as a donor government contributing to key projects like Disi and Khirbet Al Samra. He highlighted French assistance in improving water management in Amman, executing water loss reduction projects, and cooperation programs with the French Development Agency (AFD).
The statement reported a "wide" dialogue involving CAFRAJ Executive Director, Ibrahim Qattan, Economic Advisor at the French Embassy, Hugo Bruel, and a large number of Jordanian businesspeople and stakeholders, discussing multiple projects and issues related to the water sector.