Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud met with Swiss Ambassador Emilija Georgieva on Thursday to discuss collaborative efforts on sustainable water projects in Jordan.

In a statement, Saud emphasized that despite Jordan’s efforts to enhance water resources, climate change, population growth, and the influx of refugees have widened the gap between water demand and availability.

He highlighted Jordan’s initiatives in sustainable water management, reducing water losses, and implementing integrated energy efficiency programs to alleviate sector burdens. Key projects, like the national carrier, were noted as long-term solutions to the Kingdom’s water challenges.

The meeting reviewed several projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). These include a $3 million wastewater treatment plant in Azraq, a $1 million water pumping and distribution system in Al-Zubayriyah village in Maan/Shoubak, and past projects in Jerash camp and northern governorate schools.

Discuss
ions also covered a $3 million project in Azraq camp to drill a well and improve the water network, raise water awareness, and enhance environmental and sanitation efforts. Additionally, risk management projects, such as a $1.6 million flood mapping initiative with the National Center for Security and Crisis Management, were addressed.

Another focal point was the Blue Peace initiative, including supporting the Water Diplomacy Center at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, as well as coordination with INWARDAM, which conducts many groundwater studies and specialized training for young trainees from the region in water diplomacy, funded at $1.5 million over four years.

Georgieva commended the Ministry’s efforts in development, construction, and humanitarian aid for refugees. She highlighted Jordan’s success in managing its limited water resources and expressed Switzerland’s commitment, through the SDC, to support Jordan’s strategic water projects.

Source: Jordan News Agency