Amman, April 16 (Petra) -- The Public-Private Partnership Projects Unit at the Ministry of Investment convened its first official meeting on Wednesday to initiate feasibility studies for a major water loss reduction project in several areas of Amman.

The project, implemented by the Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna), is part of national efforts by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to enhance water management efficiency and bolster the Kingdom’s long-term water security.

In a statement, the Ministry of Investment announced that a consulting firm was recently appointed through a competitive selection process in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The firm will conduct comprehensive technical and financial assessments and prepare the necessary legal documentation to attract private sector participation. The project will be executed through performance-based contracts extending over 10 to 15 years.

The initiative covers 17 key distribution areas, including Marka, Sahab, Abu Alanda, Al-Qweismeh, Al-Yadouda, Al-Taj, Al-Jufa, Al-Hizam, Al-Nasr, Al-Ashrafiyah, Al-Qalaa, Marj Al-Hamam, and Naour. The targeted water network spans approximately 3,700 kilometers, includes over 83,000 sub-connections, and serves more than 212,000 subscribers roughly 30 percent of Amman’s population.

Representatives from the IFC, Miyahuna, relevant government institutions, and the project’s technical and financial advisors attended the launch meeting.

The project follows the framework of a cooperation agreement signed between the Jordanian government represented by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Miyahuna, and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the IFC. The agreement outlines the appointment of legal and financial consultants to support the feasibility phase, in coordination with the Public-Private Partnership Unit.

This initiative forms part of the National Water Loss Reduction Strategy, which seeks to lower national water losses to 25 percent by 2040. It also complements the National Water Carrier Project, a strategic undertaking to deliver sustainable water resources from Aqaba to all governorates of the Kingdom.

Hamza Hajaya, Director of the Public-Private Partnership Unit, stated that the project is a national strategic priority within the framework of the Economic Modernization Vision. He stressed its critical role in strengthening water infrastructure, improving climate resilience, and supporting other major water ventures such as the National Water Carrier Project.

Hajaya underscored the project’s value as a model for effective public-private partnerships, requiring advanced levels of efficiency and innovation in managing water systems. He highlighted the unit’s commitment to adopting international best practices in structuring such partnerships to ensure sustainability and enhance quality of life in Jordan.

Miyahuna CEO Mohammed Oran emphasized the company's dedication to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions amid mounting economic and environmental pressures. He noted that the project is in line with His Majesty King Abdullah II’s vision of empowering public-private cooperation and advancing water security.

Oran further explained that the company views private sector engagement as essential for service efficiency, long-term sustainability, and job creation. He emphasized the alignment of the project’s objectives with the National Water Carrier Project, a cornerstone of Jordan’s response to water scarcity and resource conservation.

IFC Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, affirmed the IFC’s continued partnership with the Jordanian government and Miyahuna, describing the project as a landmark step in improving water management.

Ahmed noted that minimizing water loss will not only improve service delivery but will also support the successful implementation of the national water carrier project linking Aqaba to Amman, one of the region’s most significant water desalination and transmission initiatives.

He reiterated the IFC’s commitment to supporting Jordan in developing innovative and sustainable solutions to address water security challenges while fostering greater private sector involvement in this critical sector.

//Petra// AJ

16/04/2025 15:01:04