Jordan Valley Authority, USAID sign agreement to implement water efficiency projects

AMMAN — The Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) and USAID representatives on Tuesday signed an agreement to implement projects to reduce water loss and improve the efficiency of surface water use in the Jordan Valley, with a total cost of $15.34 million financed by USAID. 

During the signing ceremony, Water Minister Mohammad Najjar said that the ministry seeks to develop and enhance water resources and reduce water loss to guarantee the sustainability of drinking water and water for irrigation purposes, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Najjar added that the ministry seeks to support agriculture and farmers through offering them all possible potentials to conserve water, especially since farmers are a critical pillar of the economy in the Kingdom. 

JVA Secretary General Manar Mahasneh said that the Al Farah project pack includes implementing several schemes in the Jordan Valley of which $14 million will be provided by the USAID. 

She pointed out that these projects aim to increase water amounts for all uses by 8 million cubic metres. She added that the project will enhance water security in the Jordan Valley areas. 

The secretary general referred to other leading projects for irrigation and increasing the capacity of water resources in certain areas. 

Mahasneh noted that the USAID grant includes revising designs and tender documents for these projects, in addition to rehabilitating the Al Karameh warehouse for equipment. She described the project as an important scheme in cooperation with USAID.