Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud on Wednesday signed an initial early works agreement with General Manager of the National Water Carrier Project Company, Jad Haribeh, as part of preparations for the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (National Water Carrier Project).
According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Saud stated that under the agreement, the company will commence early works, including technical designs, topographic surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental studies, preparation of temporary facilities, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. These steps aim to optimize project outcomes, reduce costs, and ensure timely implementation.
He highlighted that this agreement marks a crucial step toward achieving financial closure, the formal milestone for launching full-scale implementation. He underscored the government's commitment to overseeing the project closely as part of its economic priorities, in partnership with the private sector.
Describing it as the region's largest infrastructure initiative, Abu Saud noted that the project involves constructing a desalination plant in Aqaba with a capacity of 300 million cubic meters per year. It will feature an advanced seawater intake system along the Gulf of Aqaba and a desalination facility utilizing reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water.
The project also includes a 450-kilometer water transmission system to Amman, high-capacity pumping stations, and renewable energy components, with a target of sourcing 31 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.