Four water violations stopped in Amman over weekend

AMMAN — Authorities over the weekend ended four alleged major violations on main water carriers, under which over 42,000 cubic metres of freshwater were being stolen monthly in Amman, according to an official at the Water Ministry.

The amount of water that was being pumped for the irrigation of crops and other usages is more than the amount of drinking water needed for a whole district, the official said on Sunday, noting that residents of areas where the violations took place reported the suspected water violations to the ministry.

“The violations were uncovered in Tunnaib, Jiza and Khalda areas in Amman. More than 1,400 cubic metres of freshwater was being diverted to farms, a residential building and a commercial complex…,” the official, who preferred to remain unnamed, told The Jordan Times over the phone.

On Thursday night, a team from the ministry, the Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna) and security forces raided a vast plantation in Tunnaib in south Amman, where the diverted municipal water was used for the irrigation of olive trees and different crops via around-the-clock irrigation system, according to the ministry.

In Khalda/Tlaa Ali, the same team uncovered on Friday morning an illegal pipeline which was diverting water from the main carrier that supplies area residents with water to a huge reservoir beneath a commercial complex.

“The illegal pipeline was dug out and removed. The team has prepared the case’s legal documents and estimated the amount and cost of the stolen water and is in the process of identifying those involved in the violation,” the ministry’s official highlighted.

Meanwhile on Saturday, authorities acted on information indicating that municipal water was being diverted to a residential building and a brick factory in Jizah.

“The illegal pipelines and fixtures were removed in both cases. Those involved in the violation were identified and will be referred to court,” the official underscored.

Under the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) Law, those who abuse water carriers and mains, wastewater, pumping, purification or desalination stations, or cause the pollution of water resources, pipes or stations used for drinking water, or are involved in the digging of wells without obtaining a licence will be jailed for up to five years and fined up to JD7,000. 

In addition, violators of WAJ water and wastewater projects will be jailed for up to three years and fined up to JD5,000.

All penalties stipulated under the new law will be doubled in the case of repeat offenders, according to the ministry, which said that Article 31 of the legislation classifies water conveyance schemes and pipes as “strategic, vital projects”.