The Ministry of Water and Irrigation / Jordan Valley Authority received several new ponds and water harvesting sites today with a total capacity of 2.1 million cubic meters, under the INWRDAM network.
اضافة اعلان
The handover ceremony was attended by Minister of Water and Irrigation Eng. Raed Abu Al-Saud, Dutch Ambassador Stella Kloth, Director of the Islamic Network for Water Resources Development Dr. Marwan Al-Raqad, Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority Eng. Hisham Al-Haysa, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, and several officials from the water sector.
Minister Abu Al-Saud stated that the ministry is continuously working to implement national visions to maximize water harvesting and increase storage capacity according to the 2023-2024 strategic plan and the Economic Modernization Vision. He emphasized that the system of dams and ponds contributes to improving living and environmental conditions, creating job opportunities through pioneering agricultural and livestock projects, as well as tourism investments, which help reduce poverty and unemployment in surrounding areas.
The minister highlighted ongoing plans across the country to expand water harvesting in areas with harvestable rainfall, stressing that policies are guided by national priorities, community participation, and empowering women and youth to ensure sustainable water management.
He added that implementing dams and ponds is a key project in light of climate change, combating desertification, and addressing water challenges in Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the Islamic Network for Water Resources Development. These projects secure new water sources, improve the environment, and recharge groundwater with high-quality water across various regions.
Abu Al-Saud noted that these ponds will create jobs, rehabilitate agricultural and grazing lands, support livestock farming, and provide opportunities for local youth and residents. The harvested water will also support irrigation, livestock watering, and groundwater recharge, benefiting the local ecosystem and wildlife, while contributing to the national economy.
Dr. Marwan Al-Raqad highlighted the importance of water harvesting projects in promoting community engagement to address the effects of climate change. He explained that 70 water harvesting sites have been implemented, creating 280 jobs through 120 farms, three field schools, and serving 120,000 people. The projects provided water for 70,000 trees, 87,000 sheep, 1,200 training opportunities, and engaged 1,800 university students and six female journalists in environmental reporting training.
The Dutch ambassador emphasized the significance of the Jordanian-Dutch partnership in addressing shared water challenges, enhancing environmental programs, creating job opportunities, and improving local communities’ conditions. She reaffirmed continued Dutch support for Jordan in tackling water and climate challenges and transferring modern technology.
Several farmers and participants shared their experiences, noting the positive impact of water harvesting on agricultural productivity and product quality.
