USAID grants $880,000 for 44 water projects in Irbid

AMMAN — USAID has awarded $880,000 (around JD623,400) to 28 charitable and cooperative societies in Irbid for the installation of 44 rainwater-harvesting cisterns and other community-based water projects in northern Jordan.

In a statement released Sunday, the US agency said “these efforts build on the recent installation of rainwater-harvesting cisterns in 221 locations in north Jordan, as well as the rehabilitation of the Jaber Pump Station in support of Yarmouk Water Company.”

The station, unveiled in a ceremony late last week, will provide 195 cubic metres of freshwater per hour for 58,000 residents in Irbid Governorate, 80km north of Amman, and bring total USAID contributions to community-based water projects in the northern governorates to $1.4 million.

“USAID remains committed to working with communities and local organisations to alleviate water scarcity and meet ever-increasing demand,” the statement quoted USAID Mission Director Beth Paige as saying. 

“The grants awarded today will allow communities to take a leading role in responding to their water needs,” Paige added at the grant ceremony, also held late last week.

These activities fall under the Community-Based Initiatives for Water Demand Management Project, funded by USAID and implemented by Mercy Corps.

This partnership has been building the capacity of community-based organisations since 2006 to address water scarcity and raise the efficiency of water usage in rural areas, according to the statement.