Project seeks to replace deteriorated networks to reduce water loss, improve supply
By Hana Namrouqa – Jun 09,2017
AMMAN — Deteriorated water networks in Jerash Governorate will be replaced before the end of this year in a bid to address the increasing pressure and reduce water loss, which stands at around 24 per cent, according to officials.
Projects for renovating the water infrastructure in two areas of Jerash, located 48 kilometres north of Amman, are now under way after the Ministry of Water and Irrigation signed the projects’ agreement with local contractors, according to the ministry.
In a statement to The Jordan Times, Minister of Water and Irrigation Hazem Nasser said the ministry is currently implementing similar projects in the northern governorates to address the rising demand for water in light of the country’s hosting of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.
“This project targets two areas in Jerash, with the aim of improving water supply there. Such projects are part of the ministry’s plan to address the mounting pressure on the networks in the north in light of the influx of Syrian refugees,” Nasser said.
As the conflict in Syria enters its seventh year, Jordan continues to host 1.4 million Syrians, of whom 85 per cent live among host communities. Water demand in the northern region, which hosts the majority of the refugee population, rose by 40 per cent, while per capita share of water dropped drastically, according to the ministry.
The ministry announced late last month that it is in constant communication with international donor agencies to attract funding for projects that improve water and wastewater services, due to the “unprecedented” surge in demand for water.
Ministry spokesperson Omar Salameh indicated that the project of renovating the water network in Jerash is worth JD600,000, noting that the new water networks will distribute water depending on natural flow, which seeks to reduce the ministry’s energy bill.
The projects will be ready by the end of the year, he said, noting that the water situation will have improved by the next dry season.
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jerash-water-networks-be-renovated-end-year