Amman, April 17 (Petra) -- Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan signed a €31 million grant agreement with the Government of the Netherlands on Thursday to help finance the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier Project, a strategic initiative to bolster Jordan’s long-term water security.

According to a Ministry statement, the agreement was signed by Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verweij, on behalf of the CEO of Invest International a Dutch state-owned development financier in the presence of Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud and Suad Farsi, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Representative in Jordan. The EIB will administer the grant under the Water Sector Fund.

Ambassador Verweij highlighted the importance of diversifying Jordan's water sources through desalination, stating, "Providing additional non-groundwater sources through desalination is crucial to Jordan's water security. The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology and a reliable partner for Jordan, as demonstrated by projects such as the Aqaba-Amman desalination and water conveyance project. This massive project will ensure 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 said the Dutch contribution reflects a shared dedication to enhancing water resilience. "This significant contribution from the Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. The Water Sector Fund plays a vital role in mobilizing financing for essential projects, and these new funds will allow us to increase our impact in Jordan."

Petra Vernooij, Director of Public Sector at Invest International, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: "We are proud to partner with the EIB in supporting the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is essential to strengthening water security in Jordan and addressing water challenges exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change. It also reflects our commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and cooperation."

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud said the project is advancing in line with planned timelines, in accordance with the royal directives, the Economic Modernization Vision, and the Water Sector Strategic Plan. He noted that the project will desalinate 300 million cubic meters of water, addressing a portion of the national water deficit, alleviating the pressure on natural water resources, and serving around 4 million citizens.

Abu Saud added that the project stands among the region’s largest desalination and infrastructure ventures and will help recharge aquifers and mitigate the ongoing decline in groundwater and surface water reserves.

Touqan expressed appreciation for the Dutch government and Invest International’s support of the National Water Carrier Project through the European Green Economy Team initiative, emphasizing its role in securing sustainable water sources and supporting national economic growth.

The project will desalinate Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba to supply drinking water to Amman and Aqaba, while also serving other governorates along the pipeline route, including Ma’an, Tafilah, Karak, and Madaba.

//Petra// AJ

17/04/2025 13:35:08