Jordan to rehabilitate Amman’s water networks

Water networks in several west Amman neighborhoods will be replaced and rehabilitated by 2014 to reduce leakage, which currently cost the capital 33 per cent of its water supply, Minister of Water and Irrigation Mohammad Najjar said. The networks in nine neighborhoods will be revamped under a 17-million-euro project that is part of a plan to prepare the capital's infrastructure to receive water from the Disi Water Conveyance Project early next year, Najjar said at the signing of an agreement on the project.
"Secondary water networks and deteriorated household pipes, which are among the main causes of water leakage, will be replaced. This will improve the water supply in Amman," he added.
Water networks will be refurbished in Dahiyat Al Rashid, Tlaa Al Ali, the Sports City area, Arjan, Dahiyat Al Amir Hassan, Shmeisani, Jabal Amman, Um Utheinah and Um Al Summaq, according to the minister.
"The areas were selected following thorough studies, which showed that the number of water complaints and the amount of lost water are highest in these neighborhoods," Najjar underscored.
The project is co-funded by the government and the German Development Bank, which is financing 80 per cent of the project.
Also yesterday, the minister signed an agreement with a consulting company to reduce energy consumption in the water sector.
"The energy efficiency project will cut down the cost of the energy bill by 25 per cent," he said, stressing that the sector's energy costs are rising and are expected to reach JD85 million by the end of the year, compared to JD57 million last year.
Jordan Times
30 August