Strict measures needed to curb ‘significant threat’ of water thefts — ministry

AMMAN  — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Sunday expressed concern the increasing incidents of water thefts targeting groundwater wells and water networks, which pose a significant threat to Jordan’s water security. 

A ministry statement emphasised the need for strict measures to be imposed to curb such activities.

Highlighting the decisive judgments issued by Jordanian courts against individuals involved in water thefts, the ministry said that since the beginning of this year, numerous judicial rulings have been handed down, penalising those responsible for offences such as unauthorised well digging, tampering with water networks and other violations of the Water Authority Law.

Sixty-five individuals have been sentenced to four months in prison, while 20 have been sentenced to one year for related offences. Additionally, several individuals have been convicted and sentenced to three years of imprisonment. 

The court rulings also mandate the payment of judicial fees, water usage charges and costs associated with restoring affected areas to their previous state.

The statement noted that a case handled by a court in Ramtha involved an individual found guilty of unlawfully exploiting a government-owned groundwater well without obtaining the necessary licence. 

The court imposed a three-year prison sentence, a fine of JD5,000 and required the offender to pay the costs of the unauthorised water usage as well as restoring the well to its original condition.

The statement mentioned another verdict delivered by a court in Karak, which convicted an individual for deliberately damaging main water pipelines. The court sentenced the perpetrator to one year in prison and imposed a fine, also ordering the individual to bear the expenses associated with investigation, administrative procedures and legal proceedings.

The Judicial Council, in cooperation with the Water Authority, has taken measures to prosecute those who tamper with water resources and violate water laws.