In a strategic move to enhance Jordan’s water security, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan signed on Thursday, April 17, a grant agreement worth €31 million provided by the Dutch government. The funds will contribute to the financing of the national water carrier project "Aqaba–Amman". The agreement was signed on behalf of the Dutch development finance institution, Invest International, by the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verweij. The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al-Saud and the representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Jordan, Souad Farsi. The EIB will manage the grant.
اضافة اعلان
Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij stated:
"Providing additional non-groundwater sources through desalination is vital for Jordan’s water security. The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology and a trusted partner of Jordan, as evident in projects like this large-scale desalination and water transmission project from Aqaba to Amman. It will secure future water supplies, including for vulnerable communities, and support economic growth in Jordan. The Netherlands is fully committed to this partnership."
EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti added:
"This generous Dutch contribution reflects our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. The Water Sector Fund plays a vital role in mobilizing finance for essential projects, and these new funds will enhance our impact in Jordan."
Petra Vernooij, Director of Public Infrastructure at Invest International, said:
"We are proud to partner with the EIB in supporting the Aqaba-Amman desalination and transmission project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is crucial for strengthening Jordan’s water security and addressing growing challenges caused by regional conflicts and climate change. It reflects our commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation and collaboration."
Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Al-Saud, emphasized that the project is progressing according to plan, as part of the government's commitment to implementing the Royal directives, the Economic Modernization Vision, and the strategic water sector plan. He highlighted that the project will provide sustainable solutions to alleviate water shortages by desalinating 300 million cubic meters of seawater, helping to combat climate change effects, and meeting the needs of around 4 million citizens. He added that this is one of the largest desalination and infrastructure projects in the region, and it will help reduce the deterioration of underground and surface water basins by replenishing them naturally and increasing water availability.
Minister Toukan expressed her appreciation for the Dutch government and Invest International's support for the national water carrier project within the framework of the Team Europe Initiative for the Green Economy. She noted that the project will offer a vital source of water for Jordan and contribute to sustainable economic development.
The project will desalinate Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba to supply drinking water to both Aqaba and Amman, as well as serve other governorates along the pipeline route, including Ma'an, Tafileh, Karak, and Madaba.
