Aqaba water company signs JD15 million agreements to boost water efficiency

AMMAN — A series of executive agreements, totalling JD15 million, referred by the Aqaba Water Company to local contractors were signed on Monday.

The funding, provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is part of the wider Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) loss reduction project, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

At the signing ceremony, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to implementing its strategic plans, with a particular focus on reducing water losses and improving the efficiency of water supply. 

These efforts include the implementation of new water networks and the improvement of supply systems to address both increasing demand and historical problems in various regions, he noted.

The first contract, worth JD13 million, includes the construction of a new pipeline to transport treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant to the southern industrial zone and upgrade the current supply system. 

This initiative aims to provide approximately 3 million cubic metres of potable water per year for industrial and irrigation purposes by replacing treated wastewater, potentially generating over JD2 million in additional annual revenue for the company.

The second agreement of JD398, 000, covers the provision of engineering supervision services for the new treated wastewater pipeline to the Southern Industrial Zone. 

Both contracts are expected to be completed within 300 days of signing.

A third agreement worth JD1.07 million covers the provision of engineering and technical services for the management of the Aqaba Water Company's projects over a period of 36 months. It involves the local private sector and strengthening the capabilities of companies operating in the water sector.

Abul Saud commended the Aqaba Water Company's efforts to reuse treated wastewater for industrial use, highlighting its positive impact on conserving Jordan's limited water resources and protecting the environment in Aqaba.

Aqaba is achieving a 100 per cent reuse of treated wastewater from its treatment plant, he added.

The minister also expressed his appreciation for USAID's support through the FARA, which aims to improve the management of water supply in all regions, especially during peak summer demand periods.