Aqaba, Dec. 19 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Water Comoany has secured USD 40 million in funding through an agreement with USAID (USD 32.5 million) and Aqaba Investment Company (USD 7.5 million) to implement comprehensive water loss reduction programs across Ma'an and Karak governorates.

The strategic initiative, executed under the Fixed Amount Reimbursement Agreement (FARA) framework, incorporates advanced technological solutions, including the implementation of a next-generation SCADA system.

This digital infrastructure enhancement, backed by USD 5.74 million from USAID and USD 3 million from Aqaba Water Company, represents a significant advancement in operational efficiency and distribution network optimization.

The program is projected to yield annual water savings of 3 million cubic meters, benefiting approximately 210,000 residents through improved infrastructure in key areas including Ma'an, Al-Sammar, Al-Lajjoun, and Al-Ghweir.

The SCADA implementation will enable real-time monitoring and control of production, transmission, storage, and distribution systems across southern governorates.

Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Al-Saud, emphasized the initiative's alignment with national economic modernization objectives and digital transformation strategies.

The comprehensive approach integrates infrastructure development with operational efficiency enhancement, advancing the National Water Strategy's resource management framework.

The Minister highlighted that these investments extend beyond technological innovation to serve citizens and ensure sustainable water resource management, building on seven decades of strategic cooperation with USAID.

USAID Mission Director Leslie Reed underscored the significance of this milestone in U.S.-Jordan partnership for addressing water scarcity challenges.

Reed emphasized that these initiatives represent strategic steps toward sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment, ensuring optimal management of Jordan's water resources.

The program reinforces USAID's sustained commitment to supporting Jordan's water security initiatives through enhanced supply efficiency and conservation of scarce resources.

The implementation of the SCADA system signifies a pivotal advancement in the sector's technological capabilities, enabling precise monitoring and control across the entire water supply chain.

This systematic upgrade aligns with broader national objectives for digital transformation and service delivery optimization, marking a significant step forward in Jordan's water sector modernization efforts.

//Petra// AA

19/12/2024 12:42:36