AMMAN – Prime Minister Jafar Hassan emphasized that Jordan’s mega national projects are instrumental in strengthening the Kingdom's sources of power and consolidating its economic resilience. These remarks came during the signing ceremony of the final technical and legal agreement for the National Water Carrier (NWC) project, a crucial step toward reaching financial close by July.
اضافة اعلان
"Despite the surrounding regional circumstances, we have achieved significant milestones in several major national projects, driven by the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II," Hassan stated on Tuesday.
Strengthening National Water Security
The Prime Minister highlighted that the National Water Carrier project will meet approximately 40% of the Kingdom's drinking water needs. Water pumping is expected to commence in 2030, serving as a primary pillar for national water security.
Key performance indicators of the project include:
Capacity: 300 million cubic meters (mcm) annually—nearly the total storage capacity of all dams in Jordan and triple the output of the Disi project.
Per Capita Supply: Annual share per person will double from 60 to 110 cubic meters.
Service Frequency: Water supply days will increase from one day to three days per week across all governorates.
Financing Structure
The project, with a total cost of $5.8 billion (including financing costs) and a capital expenditure (CAPEX) of $4.3 billion, is supported by a robust international and local financing framework:
Grants: A total of $663 million provided by the United States, EU, Germany, Netherlands, UK, France, Italy, Japan, and the Green Climate Fund.
Private Sector & International Financing: $2.9 billion in funding for the developer, Meridiam, provided by a consortium of international institutions including the World Bank Group, EIB, EBRD, Islamic Development Bank, Proparco (AFD Group), JICA, and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
Government Contribution: The Jordanian government is contributing $722 million, marking the largest budgetary expenditure for a capital project in the Kingdom's history.
Local Banking Sector: A consortium of Jordanian commercial banks, led by Housing Bank, will provide $1.1 billion in financing. The Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) will also participate as both a financier and an equity partner in the project.
Global Innovation in Desalination
The National Water Carrier is considered a world-first in its integration of strategic pillars:
Desalinating 300 million cubic meters of seawater annually.
Pumping systems designed for elevations of up to 1,100 meters above sea level.
A pipeline network spanning 450 kilometers.
Significant reliance on renewable energy through advanced, eco-friendly technologies.
The NWC is a centerpiece of the Economic Modernization Vision and remains a top national priority to secure Jordan’s water future.
