PM inaugurates JD7m water projects in badia

AMMAN — Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Monday inaugurated several water projects in the badia expected to serve more than 45,000 citizens at a cost of JD7 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The projects were implemented as part of an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) programme to help refugee host communities. 

During his visit, the fifth to the badia areas, in the presence of Water Minister Hazem Al-Naser and several senators and MPs of the badia, Mulki said that the visit aimed at checking on the ministry’s efforts in facing the increasing demand on water.

The premier noted that water scarcity is a major issue in the Kingdom, calling for an efficient use, supply and distribution of water. He noted that anyone that misuses water resources would be held accountable.

Water in Jordan is a top priority for the government, he said, commending the Water Ministry’s efforts to provide additional amounts of water in all regions of the Kingdom, especially in the northern, eastern and north-western badias.

The government deals with water scarcity with “great responsibility”, he said, highlighting the sharp increase of the demand on water during the summer combined with the large population number, especially in the northern region whose population went up to more than 3.3 million people.

Al-Naser said that the ministry’s plans for the northern region were being implemented as scheduled, in cooperation with international organisations and donor countries, noting that several water resources have been rehabilitated to improve water supplies to citizens and refugees.

The minister noted that these projects were part of a JD15-million project funded by the ICRC, with the JD8 million first phase including the establishment of a pumping station, reservoirs and main carriers, which improved water provision to many badia areas. 

The newly inaugurated schemes include the establishment of main and secondary carriers with diameters of 300 to 600 millimetres to enhance water supplies to Baij areas, he said.

Authorities constructed Baij well with a capacity of 70 cubic metres per hour with a cost of JD500,000 to serve 10,000 people, the minister noted.

The ministry is doing its best to overcome the repercussions of the Syrian refugee ifnlux in the northern areas, Al-Naser said, adding that water facilities, whether those established or still under construction, will improve water provision and reduce water losses.

Samir Butros, the ICRC representative, said that the committee seeks to provide clean water in conflict zones, so as to create a sustainable living environment.

He added that the organisation expanded its work in Jordan to meet the increasing water demand for citizens and refugees, especially as the Kingdom is among the poorest countries in water, especially in light of the Syrian crisis.