Cement lining project planned for Amman’s Wadi Seer

AMMAN — Plans are under way to add cement lining to open water canals in Wadi Seer  district in west Amman to improve irrigation efficiency, a government official said on Thursday.

The project’s two tenders have been floated and the lining of the canals is expected to commence in August, according to Agriculture Ministry spokesperson Nimer Haddadin.

“A total of 900-metre-long open canals will be lined with cement to make the irrigation system in Wadi Seer more efficient,” Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

The canals transfer and distribute water to farms from the Wadi Seer stream, which originates from several springs in the area, the official said, noting that Wadi Seer farmers grow vegetables and fruits along the stream, mainly figs and pomegranates.

The project will cost JD25,000, Haddadin said, noting that it will include irrigation canals in Iraq Al Amir, Bassa, Bahhath and Wadi Seer.

“Adding lining to the canals is part of the ministry’s plans to preserve irrigation water. The step will reduce water loss by preventing seepage of water, increase water velocity, prevent soil erosion and silting,” Haddadin highlighted.

The ministry encourages expanding cultivations in the area, he added, noting that leakage of irrigation water in Wadi Seer was among one of the main concerns that the area’s farmers expressed during a recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat.