Jordan- In a bid to alleviate Jordan’s severe water scarcity issues, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation has announced that the National Water Carrier Project is set to be completed by 2027, providing approximately 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually. This strategic initiative, known as the Aqaba-Amman desalination and water transport project, is deemed a top priority for the Kingdom’s water security.
Minister of Water and Irrigation, Mohammed Najjar, revealed that five consortiums have been prequalified for the project, and they have received technical documents with six months to submit their financial and technical proposals.
Jordan, considered one of the most water-stressed nations globally, faces severe water scarcity, with only 100 cubic meters of water per person per year, well below the critical threshold of 500 cubic meters defined by UNICEF. With decreasing rainfall and increasing evaporation rates due to climate change, the country has been grappling with water scarcity for years, leading to water availability only once a week in urban areas and less frequently in rural districts, exacerbating economic challenges.
The proposed Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project aims to provide a reliable supply of fresh water to Amman and other governorates along the carrier line. The project involves the construction of a seawater intake facility south of Aqaba City, a desalination plant, and a conveyance system comprising pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs. The total cost has been estimated at $2.5 billion or €2.7 billion, depending on the source.
The European Investment Bank has committed to supporting the project with a €200 million ($215 million) loan, emphasizing the use of renewable energy from the Gulf of Aqaba to power the desalination process. The project is expected to address the country’s water scarcity issues, providing a sustainable source for its growing population and reducing reliance on rapidly depleting groundwater.
Despite the positive outlook, the project has faced delays, with the bidding deadline extended by five months. This setback poses a challenge to Jordan’s water supply plans and adds complexity to the country’s struggle against water scarcity. The Aqaba-Amman scheme is considered a strong fit for a public-private partnership (PPP) model, leveraging Jordan’s experience with PPPs in the water sector, such as the As-Samra wastewater treatment plant.
While the project has garnered support, it is not without its critics. Concerns linger over the potential impact on marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba and the management of brine generated during the desalination process. Additionally, tapping private investment in Jordan’s water sector requires overcoming a steep learning curve.
As Jordan grapples with its water scarcity crisis, the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project stands as a beacon of hope, offering a potential solution to address the country’s acute water shortage, improve water quality, and secure a sustainable water source for its future. The successful implementation of this ambitious project could set a precedent for other water-stressed regions globally seeking innovative solutions to their water challenges.