New wastewater project to improve sanitation services, environmental conditions in Jordan

AMMAN — The Sustainable Wastewater Management Project aims to improve and expand wastewater services throughout the Kingdom, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud said on Thursday.

The Cabinet recently approved a €60 million loan to improve wastewater services nationwide, funded by the German government through the German Development Bank (KfW). 

Abu Saud described the initiative as an important step towards developing environmental and wastewater management systems across the Kingdom. It aims to extend sanitation services to underserved areas, provide centralised sanitation systems for all citizens, and reduce reliance on cesspits, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

These efforts will address public health concerns, improve environmental conditions, and strengthen Jordan's resilience to climate change, he added.

Highlighting that the project is part of Jordan's broader strategy to develop non-conventional water resources, he said that treated wastewater, a renewable resource, will play a central role by supporting limited agricultural activities and industrial applications that require large amounts of water. It will also help replenish groundwater reserves with safe, treated water.

Currently, Jordan operates 31 advanced wastewater treatment plants that treat more than 200 million cubic metres per year. Of this, more than 195 million cubic metres is reused for limited agriculture, providing significant economic benefits to farmers and livestock producers, the minister noted.

The new initiative will expand the reuse of treated water at the South Amman treatment plant and build new networks to connect underserved areas. Key components include the completion of several network phases in southwest Amman and the connection of unserved homes and properties to centralised sewerage systems.

The project will help maximise the use of treated wastewater for irrigation, while meeting international standards and ensuring efficient and sustainable water use. However, Abul Saud emphasised that such progress requires substantial financial resources that are beyond national capabilities, underlining the importance of international support.

Abu Saud praised the German government and its financial institutions for their role as major contributors to Jordan's water sector. He also acknowledged the continued support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Union, describing their contributions as critical to advancing Jordan's environmental and water management goals.

This initiative represents a significant milestone in Jordan's efforts to address its water challenges, improve public health, promote environmental sustainability and ensure access to efficient sanitation services for all.